LAHORE (AM Khan): Relentless rain and thunderstorms brought an early end to the 21st match of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, played between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday night, forcing the match to be abandoned during the first innings.
After being asked to bat first, Lahore Qalandars put up a promising performance, reaching 111-3 in 11.3 overs before the weather interrupted and eventually halted proceedings. The rain intensified shortly after Daryl Mitchell’s dismissal, making a restart impossible. Match officials called off the game following repeated inspections, and both teams were awarded one point each as per PSL regulations.
Lahore’s innings got off to a shaky start as opener Fakhar Zaman was bowled for a duck by Khurram Shahzad in just the third delivery of the match. However, debutant Mohammad Naeem stepped up in style, delivering an explosive 50 off just 30 balls, laced with 3 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing his flair and fearlessness on the big stage.
He was ably supported by Abdullah Shafique, who played a composed yet attacking knock, remaining unbeaten on 53 from 32 balls with 3 fours and 3 sixes. The pair added a commanding 102-run stand for the second wicket, giving Lahore strong momentum before Naeem was caught at the stroke of the 10th over.
Daryl Mitchell fell shortly after, caught by Rossouw off Abrar Ahmed, who was the pick of Quetta’s bowlers with figures of 2 for 23 in 2.3 overs. Rain soon followed, and no further play was possible. The result means Lahore Qalandars move to second place on the PSL 10 points table with 9 points, while Quetta Gladiators, also on 9 points, occupy third place due to a lower net run rate.
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