PSL 2026: Lahore snap losing streak as Fakhar, Farooq seal 32-run win over Rawalpindiz

Lahore Qalandars returned to winning ways in the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026), beating Rawalpindiz by 32 runs in Match 27 on Saturday, April 18 at National Stadium, Karachi. After opting to bat first, Lahore posted a massive score of 210/4 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of half-centuries from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Farooq (63 off 41).

In reply, Rawalpindiz were restricted to 178/9 in their 20 overs with Yasir Khan (58 off 29) and Saad Masood (54 off 26), scoring valiant half-centuries. 

Earlier in the day, Lahore got off to a rollicking start as openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Farooq added a massive 121 runs off just 65 balls. Farooq brought up his half-century off 30 deliveries, stamping his authority on Rawalpindiz.

With nothing going right for Rawalpindiz, Mohammad Amir (2/25) got the first success for his side by getting rid of Farooq in the eleventh over. Abdulllah Shafique walked in at number three and got involved in another 70-run stand off 42 balls with Zaman for the second wicket. In the end, a cameo from Asif Ali (14* off 6), helped Lahore post 210 on the board. For Rawalpindiz, Razaullah (2/45) also scalped two wickets.

In the second innings, Lahore skipper Shaheen Afridi (2/19) was at his menacing best with the new ball as he removed both openers Shahzaib Khan (7 off 5) and Mohammad Rizwan (9 off 9) cheaply, leaving Rawalpindiz on 17/2 in 2.3 overs.

Yasir Khan walked in at number three and stitched a 71-run stand off 41 balls with Daryl Mitchell (11 off 15). However, the duo was removed in the tenth over by Haris Rauf, and the Rawalpindiz were left reeling at 89/4 in 9.5 overs. Saad Masood (54 off 36) walked in at number seven and scored a lone half-century as he failed to get any support from the other end.

Meanwhile, following their win, Lahore rose to sixth spot on the points table with six points from seven matches. On the other hand, Rawalpindiz continued to reel at the bottom, still searching for their first win of the season after seven games.

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Fakhar Zaman was adjudged Player of the Match for his sensational innings of 84 off 54 balls, studded with 11 fours and a six. He got involved in a massive 121-run stand off 65 balls with Mohammad Farooq to get his team off to a rollicking start and lay the foundation for a massive total.

Turning Point

Rawalpindiz were well in the hunt in their chase, with Yasir Khan going berserk in the middle. He played a fiery innings of 58 runs off 29 balls and stitched a 71-run stand off 41 balls with Daryl Mitchell. However, Haris Rauf got rid of both the batters in the same over to give a major blow to Rawalpindiz. The over eventually became the turning point of the match. 

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars):

Farooq batted brilliantly in his second game and Fakhar was also terrific, so credit goes to them. We will try our best going ahead in the tournament and aim to keep the momentum up.

Losing Captain, Mohammad Rizwan (Rawalpindiz):

If you see today's match, the pitch was good. Saad recently made his Pakistan debut and he played brilliantly. Yasir also batted really well. I will give credit to my owners that they keep motivating us. They would be disappointed from within but they keep telling us that this is our first season and we will improve.