Fakhar Zaman's blistering hundred powered defending Champions Lahore Qalandars to a daunting total of 197 runs against Quetta Gladiators in the 30th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Batting first, Lahore Qalandars posted 197-6 in their allotted 20 overs, with key contributions from Fakhar Zaman and Charith Asalanka.
The innings began on a shaky note as pacer Khalil Ahmed struck early, removing Mohammad Farooq for four runs off five deliveries, providing Quetta with an early breakthrough.
Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique then steadied the innings with a composed partnership, easing the pressure on their side. Zaman dominated the scoring, guiding the team past the 50-run mark during their stand.
Abrar Ahmed eventually broke the 57-run partnership by dismissing Shafique for 14 off 15 balls, which included two boundaries, leaving Lahore at 64-2 in 6.4 overs.
Zaman continued to anchor the innings aggressively, bringing up his 26th PSL half-century in style with a flurry of boundaries. He was well supported by Charith Asalanka as the duo built another crucial partnership, taking the team beyond 100 runs.
The left-handed opener went on to register his third PSL century, displaying exceptional stroke play and helping Lahore surge past 150.
Brett Hampton then struck to remove Asalanka for 31 off 24 deliveries, an innings featuring three fours and a six, ending their 96-run partnership.
Fakhar was dismissed soon after for a brilliant 103 off 51 balls, including 11 fours and six sixes, as Usman Tariq made the breakthrough, leaving Lahore at 164-4 in 16.1 overs.
Khalil Ahmed returned to pick up his second wicket, dismissing Sikandar Raza for five runs off five balls, with Lahore losing their fifth wicket.
The innings closed with Lahore Qalandars finishing on 197-6. Shaheen Afridi was run out for eight by Alzarri Joseph, while Daniel Sams remained unbeaten on 18 off 12 deliveries, striking one four and a six.
