‘Koi Lahore Ya Multan Ni, Ab Khan Vs Khan Hoga’ – Lahore Qalandars qualifies for PSL final after defeating Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2

The defending champions Lahore Qalandars have made it to their second consecutive final of the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2023. They beat Peshawar Zalmi in Qualifier 2 by four wickets. Lahore will now take on Multan Sultans for the title clash on March 18.

Batting first, Peshawar posted a total of 171 runs for the loss of five wickets, powered by an 85-run knock by Mohammad Haris off 54 balls. The right-hander smashed 11 fours and sixes during his innings. He also put up a partnership of 89 runs with the skipper Babar Azam for the second wicket. Babar got out after scoring 42 runs off 36 balls hitting seven boundaries. Bhanuka Rajapaksa remained unbeaten on 25 off 18 with four boundaries. For the defending champions, Rashid Khan and Zaman Khan scalped two wickets each. On the other hand, the skipper Shaheen Afridi took the big wicket of Haris.

Lahore Qalandars qualify for the second consecutive final

In reply, the Green Brigade, Qalandars lost three wickets for 69 runs. After Mirza Tahir Baig put up a 50-run partnership with Sikandar Raza (28 off 21), the former got out after scoring 54 runs off 42 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes. The partnership took the Shaheen Afridi-led side close to Peshawar’s total and Afridi finished the game with a six to get his side into the finals in style. Azmatullah Omarzai took two wickets for the Zalmi. On the other hand, Wahab Riaz, Aamer Jamal, and Salman Irshad shared a wicket each.

Lahore will be looking to repeat the 2022 final against the same opponent. The Punjab-based side won their maiden title by defeating Multan by 42 runs. However, there has been equal competition from both teams in the ongoing season. First, Lahore defeated Multan in their first encounter in 2023 by 21 runs. While the Sultans advanced to the finals by defeating Lahore by 86 runs in qualifier 1. Lahore was bowled out for just 74 runs while chasing a target of 161 runs given by Multan at the Gaddafi stadium.

Multan was the champion of the 2021 season. Both teams will be looking to clinch the title for the second time.

https://twitter.com/chili__giao/status/1636977570947252226

PSL final venue by year.

2016 – Dubai.
2017 – Lahore.
2018 – Karachi.
2019 – Karachi.
2020 – Karachi.
2021 – Abu Dhabi.
2022 – Lahore.
2023 – Lahore.#Cricket #HBLPSL #T20 #LQvsMS #Pakistan

— Abdullah Haider (@wicketsandruns) March 18, 2023

https://twitter.com/ryanburl3/status/1636798801770889221

https://twitter.com/aquidtweets/status/1636797210708049921

Ye saala har saal PSL Final khelne ki aadat ho gai hai apun ko pic.twitter.com/GflNqmO8bN

— BUNTY. (@atang_waddi) March 17, 2023

Back to Back PSL FINAL as Captain pic.twitter.com/dhvEtHd9Ha

— A. (@Ahmadridismo) March 17, 2023

https://twitter.com/cricket_extract/status/1636973380728496128

Psl final tomorrow pic.twitter.com/LwoDhgTiW1

— ایمان (@eamjad05) March 17, 2023