Fakhar Zaman 103 Leads Qalandars to Win Over Gladiators

A dominant Fakhar Zaman century proved decisive as Lahore Qalandars edged Quetta Gladiators by nine runs in a high-scoring PSL 11 clash at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Lahore Qalandars posted 197 for 6, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s 103 off 51 balls, before restricting Quetta Gladiators to 188 for 7 despite a late scare. The result marked back-to-back wins for Lahore this season and lifted them to fourth place with two matches remaining.

Quetta, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive defeat and remain on six points with just one game left, leaving their qualification hopes dependent on other results.

Fakhar’s century defines the contest

The match was shaped by Fakhar Zaman’s commanding innings, which stood out in a game where most batters struggled for fluency.

He brought up his century in 50 deliveries, striking 11 fours and six sixes, and finished with a remarkable strike rate of 201.96. His dominance was evident as no other Lahore batter crossed 31, underlining how heavily the innings relied on his contribution.

Charith Asalanka’s 31 off 24 provided support, playing a steady role while Fakhar drove the scoring. Earlier, Fakhar set the tone in the powerplay, pushing Lahore to 58 for 1 and ensuring the 100-run mark was reached by the 10th over.

Daniel Sams added 18 off 12 late in the innings, helping Lahore collect 33 runs in the death overs after Fakhar’s dismissal.

Gladiators’ chase loses direction at key moments

Chasing 198, Quetta Gladiators began well with a 49-run opening stand and remained in contention for most of the innings.

Shamyl Hussain scored 53 off 31 balls, while Rilee Rossouw struck 62 off 29, keeping the required rate within reach. However, the turning point came at the end of the 15th over when Rossouw was dismissed.

With Rossouw at the crease, the chase looked manageable, but once he departed, the innings lost momentum. Quetta managed just 31 runs in the final four overs as Lahore’s pace attack tightened control.

Qalandars’ pace attack seals the finish

Haris Rauf led the bowling effort with figures of 2 for 28, while Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed 1 for 35, both delivering effectively in the closing stages.

Despite a late push from Abrar Ahmed, who struck 24 off 14 balls, Quetta fell short as the required rate climbed beyond reach.

The pattern of the chase reflected a broader theme in the match — individual brilliance from key batters, but limited support from the rest of the lineup once wickets fell.

What this result means

This win strengthens Lahore Qalandars’ push for a playoff spot, moving them into fourth place with momentum from consecutive victories.

For Quetta Gladiators, the defeat leaves them in a vulnerable position, requiring favourable results elsewhere to stay in contention after failing to close out a chase that remained within reach deep into the innings.

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