Naeem Shines with 65 off 29 for Qalandars

LAHORE: Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman, the opening batsmen, delivered explosive half-centuries, propelling Lahore Qalandars to a commanding score in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 showdown against Karachi Kings at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, despite rain delays.

After being asked to bat, the Qalandars posted 160/8 in their 15 overs, which were reduced due to an hour of rain.

The Qalandars began their innings strongly, with Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman establishing a rapid 90-run partnership in under eight overs.

Naeem, the more aggressive of the two, was eventually caught out by Aamir Jamal, who had previously dropped him when he had scored 11 runs. He was the Qalandars’ highest scorer with 65 runs off 29 balls, including six boundaries and five sixes.

Shortly after Naeem’s departure, rain stopped play, which resumed after more than an hour, shortening the game to 15 overs per side.

Following the delay, Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman combined for 31 runs, maintaining the Qalandars’ momentum until Abbas Afridi dismissed Shafique with a slower ball.

Shafique scored 18 runs from 11 balls, hitting two fours and one six.

Abbas then struck again, bowling out Daryl Mitchell, who attempted a lap shot.

The Qalandars’ batting suffered another setback when Sam Billings was caught out by Mir Hamza, scoring only two runs from three balls.

Fakhar then formed a brief 18-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Sikandar Raza before Abbas Afridi dismissed both batsmen in the penultimate over.

The opening batter made 51 runs off 33 balls, including four fours and three sixes.

Abbas was the most successful bowler for the Kings, claiming four wickets for 27 runs in his three overs. Aamir Jamal and Mir Hamza each took one wicket.