Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Lahore Qalandars finally roared to life in the Pakistan Super League Season 10 (PSL X) with a commanding 79-run victory over the previously unbeaten Quetta Gladiators at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The result not only put Lahore on the points table but also served as a warning to the rest of the competition.
Lahore’s Batting Fireworks Light Up Rawalpindi
Asked to bat first, Lahore Qalandars delivered a high-octane batting performance to post a daunting total of 219/6 in 20 overs. Englishman Sam Billings stole the show with a blistering knock of 50 not out off just 19 balls, smashing four sixes and four boundaries at an astonishing strike rate of 263.15.
Veteran opener Fakhar Zaman played a vital anchor role, scoring 67 off 39 deliveries, while Abdullah Shafique and Daryl Mitchell chipped in with brisk 30s to maintain the aggressive tempo throughout the innings.
Qalandars’ Bowlers Dismantle Gladiators’ Chase
Chasing 220 for victory, Quetta Gladiators crumbled under pressure, losing key wickets in the Powerplay. Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front with two early scalps, removing Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen cheaply. The middle order failed to recover as Asif Afridi and Haris Rauf tightened the screws with disciplined bowling.
While Rilee Rossouw (44 off 19) and Kusal Mendis (28 off 14) showed brief resistance, their dismissals triggered a swift collapse as Quetta folded for 140 all out, falling well short by 79 runs.
Updated PSL X Points Table
| Pos | Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | PT | NRR |
| 1 | Islamabad United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1.144 |
| 2 | Quetta Gladiators | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.923 |
| 3 | Karachi Kings | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.507 |
| 4 | Lahore Qalandars | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.626 |
| 5 | Multan Sultans | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | –0.507 |
| 6 | Peshawar Zalmi | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | –4.000 |
What’s Next in PSL X?
The PSL X action continues as table-toppers Islamabad United take on bottom-ranked Peshawar Zalmi tomorrow in what promises to be another high-octane clash.
Lahore Qalandars will look to build on this momentum as they aim to reclaim their title, while Quetta Gladiators will seek a quick turnaround to keep their campaign on track.
