![Lahore Qalandars lost after 100-run disaster [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1775741975775_SikandarRazastartsblamegameonLahoreQalandarsafterPSL2026defeat.jpg?type=hq)
Lahore Qalandars lost after 100-run disaster [Source: AFP]
Lahore Qalandars lost the 16th fixture of the PSL 2026 season against Islamabad United by 9 wickets. Batting first, the Qalandars were bowled out for just 100 runs, resulting in massive humiliation.
It took Lahore 18.3 overs to put just 100 runs on the board before the United bowled them out. The chase was naturally a cake walk as Islamabad sealed a victory in 10.2 overs.
Sikandar Raza puts the blame on Lahore Qalandars’ batters
At the heart of the defeat was Lahore Qalandars’ underwhelming total of 100, which is the lowest in the ongoing PSL 2026 season. None of their batters managed to settle, with only Sikandar Raza (25) offering any resistance.
Naturally, Raza felt disappointed as he didn’t receive any support from the other end. His frustration boiled over in the post-match press conference as he clearly blamed the batters for blind-slogging.
By stating that “batsmanship is fading and slogging is becoming more common,” he appeared to indirectly question his own teammates’ approach.
"I honestly think the wickets aren’t so difficult that you get out for 100 runs. Unfortunately, in cricket, batsmanship is fading away, and slogging is becoming more common, that’s all I’ll say. Even in the dressing room, I said the same thing, to succeed in Karachi, you need batsmanship, not slogging,” Raza told the press.
Sikandar Raza added that the wicket in Karachi had no demons. But to succeed there, batters have to play traditional cricket over blind sloggers.
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Islamabad United trash Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars endured a disastrous outing with the bat at Karachi, folding for just 100 in 18.3 overs. Despite starts from Haseebullah Khan (19) and Sikandar Raza (25), no batter managed to convert their innings into something substantial.
Islamabad United’s bowlers were clinical from the start. Imad Wasim set the tone with a tight spell (2/13), while Chris Green (3/19) and Shadab Khan (2/18) ensured Lahore never recovered.
Chasing 101, Devon Conway made the target look trivial with a fluent unbeaten 59 off 35 balls. Partnered by Mohammad Faiq (34*), the duo stitched an unbroken 93-run stand after an early wicket.
Apart from a solitary breakthrough by captain Shaheen Afridi, Lahore’s bowlers failed to apply any pressure, as Islamabad raced to victory at a run rate above 10.
The tables have turned
With that victory, Islamabad United climbed to the second spot in the PSL 2026 points table. They have won 3 games and stand with 7 points.
On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars dropped to fifth spot with 2 wins and four points in 4 games.
The PSL 2026 season has entered its second leg in Karachi, and the defending champions, the Qalandars, are slowly losing their grip. They must bounce back strongly and quickly to stay in line for the playoffs.
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