CRICKET
PSL 2023: Sikandar Raza’s fireworks burn Quetta’s hopes
The showdown between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators proved to be an enthralling spectacle of T20 cricket!
The clash was nothing short of a heart-stopping rollercoaster, with Sikandar Raza’s jaw-dropping display of cricketing prowess leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The game started on a sour note for Lahore Qalandars, with the team losing four wickets for a mere 28 runs within the first six overs, courtesy of some fiery bowling by Quetta Gladiators.
But just when it looked like Lahore Qalandars were on the ropes, the maverick all-rounder Sikandar Raza took it upon himself to turn the tide of the game.
Raza’s breathtaking innings, which included eight fours and three sixes, was nothing short of a masterpiece.
He played at a blistering strike rate of 209, putting on a 69-run partnership with Rashid Khan, who played a valuable anchor role, providing the much-needed stability from the other end.
The duo went all guns blazing in the 13th over, scoring an impressive 19 runs off Umaid Asif’s over.
Raza continued his rampage in the following overs, smashing three fours off Naveen-ul-Haq and two more off Naseem Shah.
Although Khan’s departure in the 16th over led to a flurry of wickets, Raza remained composed, smashing two fours and a six towards the end of the innings.
Quetta Gladiators started their innings with a bang, scoring 53 runs in the Powerplay, with the young gun Will Smeed leading the charge.
However, the dismissal of both openers in a span of six balls derailed what promised to be a smooth sail.
Lahore Qalandars made a stunning comeback, with Haris Rauf and Rashid Khan snuffing out the hopes of Quetta Gladiators with their fiery bowling.
Haris Rauf dismissed Yasir Khan on the last ball of the sixth in what was a brilliant over and Smeed fell to Rashid Khan on the last ball of the seventh.
From the end of the Powerplay to the beginning of the 12th, Quetta Gladiators could muster only 11 runs but at the cost of three wickets.
Sarfaraz Ahmed made a consolation 27 not out off 28 balls, but failed to get any support as Haris sent back Odean Smith and Mohammad Nawaz.
Eventually, with a required rate of 10 rpo in the last six overs, which was a bridge too far for Quetta against Lahore’s death bowling experts.
In the end, Lahore Qalandars managed to restrict Quetta Gladiators to 131 runs, securing a 17-run win.
Haris finished with three for 22 and Rashid took two wickets for 14.
Raza was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for his scintillating performance.
Scores
Lahore Qalandars 148 all out, 19.2 overs (Sikandar Raza 71 not out, Rashid Khan 21; Mohammad Nawaz 2-19, Naveen-ul-Haq 2-36)
Quetta Gladiators 131-7, 20 overs (Will Smeed 32, Sarfaraz Ahmed 27 not out; Haris Rauf 3-22, Rashid Khan 2-14)
Player of the match – Sikandar Raza (Lahore Qalandars)