PSL 2023: Rashid Khan’s genius leaves Islamabad in shambles

Lahore Qalandars defeated Islamabad United by 119 runs in the 26th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight match in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Fakhar Zaman impressed cricket fans with another outstanding knock.

After deciding to bat first, Qalandars lost opener Abdullah Shafique in the first over. Fazalhaq Farooqi bagged Abdullah with a full-length delivery.

Fakhar and Kamran Ghulam carried the innings from there and that too in an aggressive mood.

Fakhar, who is already in top form this season, smashed the ball all around the park.

Kamran managed to score 41 off 30 before falling to Mohammad Wasim Jr.

However, Fakhar didn’t stop there and completed his task. He also partnered with Sam Billings to score 70 runs together.

In the process, Fakhar smashed his second century of the tournament, scoring 115 runs to help Qalandars score 226-5 in 20 overs.

Fakhar got three lifelines – two dropped catches and a successful review, and made the most of it and powered Lahore to a strong position.

Fakhar’s 115 runs off 57 balls including eight boundaries and as many sixes.

Billings contributed 32 off 22. Rashid Khan’s quick 15 runs also helped Qalandars put up a big score.

In reply, Qalandars’ bowlers tore through Islamabad’s vaunted batting line-up, skittling them out for 107.

The margin of 119 runs is the biggest defeat in PSL history in terms of runs.

Multan Sultans held the previous record when they beat Quetta Gladiators by 117 runs last year.

It was Zaman Khan who got the first breakthrough for the Qalandars with the wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

Fast bowler Zaman Khan (2-17) bowled brilliantly in the powerplay and picked up the wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (15) and Colin Munro (11).

David Wiese bowled a brilliant wide yorker and had Alex Hales caught behind for 18 in the eighth over.

Afghanistan’s ace leg-spinner Rashid Khan proved his worth on a batting track after he took four crucial wickets for Lahore Qalandars.

Shadab Khan was his first victim. He struck one six off him before the Afghan hit back, a top edge removing the United captain cheaply once more.

Next, in what was easily the ball of the match, a glorious Rashid delivery to Mubasir Khan, drifted in around middle and zipped past the outside edge to clip the outside of off-stump.

Faheem Ashraf was trapped LBW dead in front and soon enough,Rashid made it four wickets by cleaning up Asif Ali.

He finishing with a phenomenal 4-21 on a surface every other batter had found to be a paradise.

Islamabad United’s keeper, and middle order mainstay Azam Khan was unavailable following a finger injury he’d picked up in the first innings.

Both teams have already qualified for the playoffs but Lahore is certain to finish among the top two.

Lahore have successfully defended totals in seven of its nine league games and is on top of the table with 14 points.

Its last league game against Karachi Kings scheduled for Sunday.