Fakhar, Billings Star as Qalandars Crush Gladiators to Register First Win of PSL 2025

Fakhar, Billings Star as Qalandars Crush Gladiators to Register First Win of PSL 2025

Lahore Qalandars opened their account in the Pakistan Super League 2025 in style, thrashing Quetta Gladiators by 79 runs in a dominant all-round performance at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Blistering fifties from Fakhar Zaman and Sam Billings powered the Qalandars to 219 for 6, before captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led a lethal bowling display to dismantle the Gladiators for just 140.

Qalandars, looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat in their opener against Islamabad United, turned up with ruthless intent. Fakhar Zaman set the tone with a rapid 39-ball 67, and Sam Billings delivered a late onslaught with a whirlwind 19-ball unbeaten 50 — the fastest half-century in the PSL in two years — as Lahore posted an imposing total.

Billings Goes Ballistic

Coming in during the death overs, Billings launched a savage assault, smashing 44 runs off his last 15 balls. His two sixes off the final two deliveries of the innings capped a devastating finish, with Mohammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf bearing the brunt.

Earlier, Abdullah Shafique gave Lahore early momentum with a burst of boundaries, including a 17-run over off Faheem to close out the powerplay. Despite a brief middle-innings fightback from the Gladiators — who picked up 3 for 17 — Billings’ fireworks ensured Qalandars posted the season's highest total so far.

Shaheen Strikes Early

Qalandars carried that momentum straight into the bowling innings. Shaheen Afridi struck in the first over, removing Saud Shakeel, and added Finn Allen in his next. In between, Asif Afridi cleaned up Hasan Nawaz to leave Gladiators reeling at 10 for 3.

A mini-revival came from Rilee Rossouw (44 off 18) and Kusal Mendis, who added 45 runs and briefly threatened with some inventive strokeplay. However, Haris Rauf found Mendis’ edge to end the stand, and Rossouw’s dismissal to a Rishad Hossain topspinner ended any hopes of a comeback.

Spin Seals the Deal

Rishad (3 for 31) and Sikandar Raza tightened the screws with crucial strikes through the middle and lower order. While Faheem Ashraf offered brief resistance, the game was long gone, as Qalandars romped to a thumping win — their biggest in terms of runs over the Gladiators.

The result leaves Quetta with work to do after a promising start to the season, while Lahore Qalandars will breathe easier, having bounced back in emphatic fashion.

Match Summary:

Lahore Qalandars 219/6 (Fakhar 67, Billings 50, Abrar 2-33)*
beat
Quetta Gladiators 140 (Rossouw 44, Rishad 3-31, Shaheen 2-6)
by 79 runs

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