Watch: Shaheen Shah Afridi launched consecutive boundaries to power Lahore Qalandar’s to their second PSL final in as many years tomorrow (March 18), to clinch a tense chase.
The Qalandar’s captain came in during the 18th over after Sikandar Raza was bowled by a zinging delivery from Azmatullah Omarzai. They still needed 11 runs to win, in a chase which they had just about stayed on top of throughout the innings.
After knocking his first two balls for singles, Shaheen let loose at the end of the following over. He took advantage of a knee-high full toss from Salman Irshad to hit his first boundary over mid-on. Pulling the ball from outside off stump, he walloped it over the fielder’s head, the ball bouncing three times before it passed the rope.
Now needing just two to win, Shaheen punched a full delivery back over Irshan’s head. The ball flew over the boundary rope and Shaheen held the pose as he watched it thud into the sight screen.
His shot sealed Qalandar’s victory by four wickets and confirmed their place in the final where they will be going for back-to-back PSL titles. Coincidentally, when they get there will face Multan Sultan’s – a re-match from the 2022 decider.
Previously in the match, Muhammad Haris hit a 54-ball 85, including an outrageous scoop shot off the back of his bat. His innings helped Peshawar Zalmi to a total of 171-5. But, a half-century from Mirza Bag and contributions from Sam Billings and Raza meant Qalandar’s stayed in the chase.
The final will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium and will get underway at 7pm local time.
Watch: Shaheen Shah Afridi launches four and six off consecutive balls to ice tense chase and send Lahore Qalandars to PSL final below
Skipper 🦅😍#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray | #LQvPZ pic.twitter.com/Z9CEaraOx8
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 17, 2023