Lahore Qalandars, the team featuring Bangladeshi stars Shakib Al Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Mehedi Hasan Miraz, have secured their spot in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final. Lahore decisively defeated Islamabad United by 95 runs in Qualifier 2 on Friday night (May 23).
While Shakib Al Hasan recorded a second consecutive duck in franchise cricket and struggled with both bat and ball, Rishad Hossain delivered an impressive performance. Rishad claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs in his three overs. The Qalandars will now face Quetta Gladiators in the final on May 25.
Shakib came to the crease with only three balls remaining in the innings, leaving him little opportunity to make an impact. However, fellow Bangladeshi all-rounder Rishad Hossain managed to hit a boundary, scoring 5 runs off 2 balls.
By then, the second qualifier had already seen the score surpass 200, with contributions from the top and middle order. While Fakhar Zaman departed for 12, Kusal Perera and Mohammad Naim both notched up half-centuries.
"Super Shakib" was ineffective with the ball, mirroring his batting struggles. It appears his action change has significantly reduced his potency. He conceded 9 runs in his first over after coming on to bowl at the end of the powerplay, even though Islamabad had already lost their top four batsmen for 33 runs.
Rishad, however, found success with the ball. Despite giving away 14 runs in his first over, he made a strong comeback. In his second over, he dismissed the dangerous Salman Agha. Rishad then engaged in a brilliant psychological battle with the opposition in his third over, sending a batsman back to the pavilion immediately after being hit for a six. He also accounted for Jimmy Neesham via a caught and bowled dismissal after getting Shadab Khan.
Shakib, despite being expensive, failed to pick up any wickets, conceding 27 runs in three overs. He might have had a wicket if a half-chance had been converted.
Ultimately, Lahore Qalandars finished the match with a wide grin, comprehensively beating Islamabad United by 95 runs. This victory secures another match for Rishad in the final. However, it remains to be seen whether Shakib or Miraz will get an opportunity in the ultimate clash.
