In an exciting PSL match, young batsman Khawaja Nafay shone as Quetta Gladiators secured a convincing five-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars.
Nafay, just 22 years old, played a stellar unbeaten inning of 60 runs, leading Quetta to their second consecutive win, while Lahore faced their second successive loss in the tournament.
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Quetta’s chase got off to a flying start thanks to Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel, who put on a crucial 69-run partnership.
Saud’s quickfire 40 off 23 balls set the tone, but he was dismissed by Zaman Khan. Roy chipped in with 24 runs before falling to Sikandar Raza.
After the openers’ departure, Khawaja Nafay took control of the chase, displaying excellent strokeplay and finishing with four boundaries and three sixes at a great strike rate of 193.54.
Despite losing a few wickets, Quetta managed to reach the target of 188 runs with Nafay’s amazing performance at the forefront.
Captain Rilee Rossouw and Sarfaraz Ahmed made useful contributions, while Sherfane Rutherford and Akeal Hosein provided valuable support to ensure victory for the Gladiators.
Earlier in the match, Lahore Qalandars, opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 187/7. Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings with a well-crafted fifty, while Jahandad Khan played a blistering knock towards the end.
Despite a shaky start, Qalandars recovered well, with Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen stabilizing the innings.
Farhan’s half-century and Jahandad Khan’s explosive cameo powered Lahore to a challenging total, with contributions from Sikandar Raza and Shaheen Shah Afridi in the later stages.
In the PSL match today, Quetta’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Hasnain and Akeal Hosein, managed to restrict Lahore’s scoring, with crucial breakthroughs at key moments.
Despite some late resistance from Lahore’s lower order, Quetta maintained control and emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter.
