Shaheen demands response as Qalandars slump deepens

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has called for an immediate improvement from his bowling unit after another defeat in PSL 11, as their campaign continues to unravel in Karachi.

The defending champions suffered a six-wicket loss to Quetta Gladiators in the 26th match of the tournament at the National Bank Stadium, a result that marked their third consecutive defeat.

Karachi struggles expose batting issues

Lahore Qalandars began their title defence with promise, winning two of their first three matches. However, since the tournament moved to Karachi, their form has dipped sharply.

They have now lost three matches in a row, with their batting unit failing to last the full 20 overs in each of those games. Shaheen acknowledged that these struggles with the bat have been a major factor behind their decline during this phase of PSL 11.

“It is true that we are struggling right now, particularly with the bat in these Karachi conditions, but we are by no means out of the tournament,” Shaheen said after the match.

Captain urges bowlers to take control

Despite the batting concerns, Shaheen placed clear emphasis on the role of the bowling attack, particularly in the middle overs where games can shift.

“Bowlers need to step up in the middle overs and take wickets,” he stated, underlining the need for greater impact during crucial phases of the innings.

With the team currently sitting seventh in the standings with just four points, the margin for error has effectively disappeared.

Playoff hopes hinge on perfect finish

The equation for Lahore Qalandars is now straightforward but demanding. With four matches remaining, they must win all of them to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Their immediate opportunity comes against winless RawalPindiz at the same venue on Sunday. They will then face Quetta Gladiators again on Tuesday after a one-day break.

Shaheen described these upcoming fixtures as a key turning point in their season.

“The upcoming back-to-back matches are an opportunity for our batters to step up. We have to keep believing in ourselves and divert our energies in winning the upcoming matches. It has to be a team effort as it takes a team to win the matches, not an individual.

“We have four games left, and the equation is simple: we have to win all of them. While we know that is no easy task, we are ready to give it everything.”

What this means

Lahore Qalandars now face a must-win scenario for the remainder of PSL 11. Consecutive defeats have left them with no room for slip-ups, and both batting consistency and middle-overs bowling will be critical if they are to mount a late push for the playoffs.

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