PSL 2025: Lahore Qalandars dismantled Quetta Gladiators with ruthless precision, storming to a 79-run victory in a one-sided contest that showcased the full might of their bowling arsenal.

Set a towering target of 220, Quetta never looked comfortable and were bowled out for 140 in 16.4 overs. From the outset, it was clear that Quetta's task was monumental. The early loss of wickets stung, with Shaheen Afridi leading the initial burst by removing both openers in a fiery two-over spell that yielded just six runs and two wickets.

Kusal Mendis attempted a rescue act, launching a fierce counterattack with a quickfire 28 off 14, including a six and two boundaries in one over off Asif Afridi.

But his departure, caught behind off Haris Rauf, halted any momentum Quetta had begun to build.

Enter Rilee Rossouw. The southpaw turned the heat up with a sensational assault, smashing 20 runs in an over from Jahandad Khan. His 44 off 19 balls, packed with four sixes and four boundaries, briefly raised hopes. But Rishad Hossain's top spinner proved too good, uprooting Rossouw's stumps and snuffing out Quetta's last glimmer of hope.

From 89/4, the Gladiators plummeted in dramatic fashion.

Sikandar Raza took over the middle overs with surgical precision, dismissing both Shoaib Malik and Akeal Hosein in a single over to plunge Quetta into disarray. At 108/8, the chase had all but collapsed. Rishad then added to his tally by castling Mohammad Amir and later having Abrar Ahmed caught in the deep, capping off a brilliant spell of 4-0-31-3.

Despite the chaos, Faheem Ashraf fought valiantly. He resisted with a defiant 21 off 18 balls, including a timely burst of 14 runs off Jahandad Khan's third over, which featured a six and two fours. His aggressive approach was a final flourish in an otherwise disappointing chase.

Usman Tariq offered brief support with 5*, but with the required rate climbing and wickets tumbling, it was only a matter of time. Asif Afridi applied the final blow, sneaking through Faheem's defence to end the match.

Earlier, Lahore Qalandars had set the stage with a colossal total of 219, which proved well beyond Quetta's reach. Though the batting innings were not detailed in this report, it clearly laid the groundwork for the bowlers to come in and deliver with venom.

This win not only boosted Lahore's net run rate but also reaffirmed their position as title contenders.

Rishad Hossain and Sikandar Raza were the stars, slicing through the Quetta middle and lower order with guile and aggression. Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators were left to reflect on yet another disappointing performance in what has been a roller-coaster campaign.

With playoffs looming, Lahore look settled, their batting clicking and their bowlers firing. Quetta, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and find answers, or risk tumbling out of contention altogether.

With playoffs looming, Lahore look settled, their batting clicking and their bowlers firing. Quetta, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and find answers, or risk tumbling out of contention altogether.