Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators, PSL 2025: Fakhar Zaman Shines as Qalandars Crush Gladiators

Lahore Qalandars Crush Quetta Gladiators for Their First Win in HBL PSL X 2025

Lahore Qalandars finally found their rhythm in the ongoing HBL PSL X 2025 with a stunning all-round performance that earned them a massive 79-run victory over Quetta Gladiators at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 13. It was a much-needed breakthrough for the defending champions after a shaky start to the tournament, and they delivered a near-perfect performance in all departments of the game.

Qalandars’ Power-Packed Batting Performance Sets the Tone

It was Fakhar Zaman who led the charge for Lahore Qalandars, playing a typically aggressive knock of 67 runs from 39 deliveries. Fakhar was in destructive mood from the onset, peppering the boundary ropes with seven elegant fours and three monstrous sixes. His innings, coupled with vital contributions from Abdullah Shafique (37 off 21 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (37 off 23 balls), ensured Lahore maintained a dominant scoring rate throughout their innings.

This power-packed batting display was rounded off brilliantly by Englishman Sam Billings, who smashed an unbeaten 50 from just 19 balls. Billings’ innings was filled with clean hitting as he struck four boundaries and four sixes, accelerating Lahore Qalandars past the crucial 200-run mark.

This was the third-highest total for Lahore Qalandars in their PSL history, only behind their efforts of 241 and 226 in previous seasons. Posting 219/6 in their 20 overs on a Rawalpindi pitch that has favored bowlers historically was always going to put Quetta Gladiators under enormous pressure.

Quetta Gladiators Crumble Under Early Pressure from Lahore’s Bowlers

Chasing a mammoth 220 for victory, Quetta Gladiators were immediately pushed onto the backfoot by the fiery new ball spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi. The Lahore skipper struck twice in his first over, removing Quetta’s captain Saud Shakeel and dangerous opener Finn Allen within the space of five balls. The early blows left Quetta struggling at 9 for 3, a nightmare scenario chasing such a big score.

Although Kusal Mendis (28 off 14) and Rilee Rossouw (44 off 19) tried to offer some resistance with a brisk 45-run partnership, Islamabad's attack proved to be relentless. Haris Rauf's sharp pace got the better of Mendis, while Rossouw, despite his aggressive intent, fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hussain.

The rest of the innings was a procession, dominated by Lahore Qalandars’ spinners. Rishad Hussain was exceptional, finishing with figures of 3 for 31, while Sikandar Raza and Asif Afridi bagged two wickets each. The trio worked in tandem, exploiting the slow surface expertly and leaving Quetta’s middle and lower order clueless.

Eventually, Quetta Gladiators were bundled out for just 140 in 16.2 overs, handing Lahore a commanding 79-run win and their first points on the board in PSL 2025.

Fakhar Zaman’s Return to Form a Big Boost for Lahore

For Lahore Qalandars, the biggest positive out of the match was undoubtedly the return to form of Fakhar Zaman. The left-hander has been Lahore’s batting talisman over the years, and his success at the top of the order often correlates with Lahore’s fortunes in the tournament. His aggressive 67 gave the innings momentum and provided a solid platform for the middle order to build on.

Billings' whirlwind knock added the perfect finishing touch, showcasing Lahore’s depth in batting. It was this blend of aggressive top-order batting and powerful finishing that has defined successful T20 teams across the world, and Lahore executed it to perfection.

Lahore’s Spinners Dominate Rawalpindi’s Pitch

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has traditionally been known for favoring seam bowlers, but Lahore’s spinners completely outclassed Quetta’s batting line-up. Rishad Hussain, Sikandar Raza, and Asif Afridi collectively grabbed 7 wickets for just 63 runs in 7.2 overs. Their ability to maintain a tight line and force mistakes from the batters highlighted the tactical depth in Lahore’s bowling unit.

Shaheen Afridi’s early breakthroughs set the stage, but it was the spinners who ensured there was no way back for the Gladiators.

Quetta Gladiators Need Urgent Solutions

For Quetta Gladiators, this defeat was a harsh reality check after their opening match win. Their batting crumbled under pressure, barring Rilee Rossouw's aggressive knock. Their over-reliance on top-order fireworks was brutally exposed against Lahore's disciplined bowling attack.

The bowling, too, lacked penetration, apart from Abrar Ahmed’s and Akeal Hosein’s contributions. Moving forward, Quetta will need to rethink their batting strategy and possibly strengthen their middle order to avoid collapses like this.

Match Summary

• Lahore Qalandars 219/6 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 67, Sam Billings 50*, Abrar Ahmed 2/33, Akeal Hosein 2/40)

• Quetta Gladiators 140 all out in 16.2 overs (Rilee Rossouw 44, Kusal Mendis 28, Rishad Hussain 3/31, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2/6)

• Result: Lahore Qalandars won by 79 runs

• Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)