Lahore, May 23, 2025: Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera scored swashbuckling half-centuries to power home side Lahore Qalandars to a commendable total against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Eliminator 2 here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision to bat first paid dividends as his team’s batting unit yielded 202/8 in 20 overs.
The hosts, however, had a contrasting start to their innings as they lost experienced opener Fakhar Zaman (12) in the second over with just 13 runs on the board.
Following the early blow, Naeem put together a crucial 70-run partnership for the second wicket with Abdullah Shafique, during which he also brought up his third PSL half-century.
The opening batter, however, soon fell victim to Imad Wasim in the ninth over and walked back after scoring a 25-ball 50, laced with seven fours and two sixes.
Shafique followed suit 15 balls later, courtesy of a sensational catch by United captain Shadab Khan off James Neesham.
The right-handed batter could muster a cautious 25 off 24 deliveries with the help of three boundaries.
Following the back-to-back dismissals, Kusal Perera took charge of Qalandars’ batting expedition and bolstered their total with belligerent hitting.
The left-handed batter top-scored for the home side with a 35-ball 61 until getting cleaned up by Tymal Mills in the final over.
He was also involved in crucial partnerships with compatriot Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Asif Ali, who made notable contributions, scoring 22 and 15, respectively.
Mills was the standout bowler for the United, taking three wickets for 42 runs in his four overs. Salman Irshad played a supportive role with two wickets, while Neesham and Imad made one scalp apiece.
