Fakhar’s 84 and Farooq’s explosive 63 power Qalandars to 210, while Rawalpindiz’s winless campaign ends after a 32-run defeat

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Lahore Qalandars finally found their rhythm in the Pakistan Super League 2026, ending a three-match losing streak with a dominant 32-run victory over Rawalpindiz. The win not only boosted Qalandars’ position on the points table but also officially eliminated Rawalpindiz from playoff contention after a disappointing, winless campaign.

After being put in to bat, Qalandars made a bold call that paid off handsomely. Fakhar Zaman returned to form with a commanding 84 off 54 balls, anchoring the innings with authority. He was well-supported by Mohammad Farooq, whose aggressive 63 in the powerplay set the tone early. Their partnership exposed Rawalpindiz’s fragile bowling attack and propelled Qalandars to a season-high total of 210.

Despite a slow start to the tournament, Fakhar looked in complete control, smashing 11 boundaries and rotating strike efficiently. While he managed just one six, his ability to dominate the field kept the pressure firmly on the opposition bowlers.

In response, Rawalpindiz’s chase faltered almost immediately. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing both openers—including captain Mohammad Rizwan—within the powerplay. The early collapse continued a worrying trend for Rawalpindiz, who have struggled with top-order consistency throughout the tournament.

A glimmer of hope came from Yasir Khan, who played a blistering knock of 58 off just 29 balls. His counterattacking innings briefly kept Rawalpindiz in contention, but the lack of support from the other end proved costly. His 71-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell lacked momentum, with Mitchell contributing only 11 runs.

Once Yasir was dismissed, Rawalpindiz’s innings unraveled quickly. The Qalandars’ bowling unit, led by Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, and Sikandar Raza, tightened the screws, triggering a collapse that saw six wickets fall for just 46 runs.

A late cameo from Saad Masood, who smashed a quickfire half-century, only reduced the margin of defeat but couldn’t alter the outcome. By then, the game had already slipped beyond Rawalpindiz’s reach.

This comprehensive win lifts Lahore Qalandars to six points, putting them level with other mid-table teams and keeping their playoff hopes alive. For Rawalpindiz, however, the loss marks the end of a forgettable PSL 2026 campaign, making them the first team to be knocked out of the tournament.