The Lahore Qalandars registered a thrilling 10-run victory over Victoria in the Global Super League (GSL) 2024 clash at Providence, keeping their hopes alive in the competition. A stellar bowling performance from Tabraiz Shamsi proved pivotal in a game that remained on a knife’s edge until the very end.
Victoria’s captain Corey Anderson won the toss and opted to field, a decision that initially seemed to pay off. Lahore’s innings was anchored by Mirza Baig, who scored a composed 39 off 36 balls. However, the Qalandars failed to build any lasting momentum as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
Mohammad Faizan added 25 off 21 before being run out, while Tom Abell (17) and Mohammad Akhlaq (26) made brief contributions. Captain Carlos Brathwaite couldn’t steady the ship, falling for a golden duck to Jackson Smith.
Victoria’s bowlers were clinical, with Jackson Smith and Dominic Drakes taking three wickets each. Drakes, in particular, was instrumental, bowling 14 dot balls in his four-over spell and applying relentless pressure. The Qalandars were eventually dismissed for 139, leaving Victoria with a seemingly manageable target of 140 runs.
Victoria started strongly, with openers Blake Macdonald and Joe Clarke putting together a 67-run partnership. They looked set to cruise to victory, but the Qalandars clawed their way back into the contest with regular breakthroughs.
The turning point came when Tabraiz Shamsi unleashed a masterclass in spin bowling. Shamsi was unplayable, taking 3 wickets for just 11 runs in his four overs. His spell included 16 dot balls and not a single boundary conceded, completely stifling Victoria’s momentum.
Victoria’s hopes rested on Karima Gore, who fought hard with 25 off 22 balls. But his dismissal in the penultimate over left the Australian side with just two wickets and 12 runs to get in the final over.
Faheem Ashraf held his nerve, dismissing Jackson Smith on his third delivery to secure a 10-run win for the Qalandars. The victory marked a significant turnaround after Victoria’s strong start and highlighted the importance of Shamsi’s exceptional spell.
The result has left the GSL standings finely poised, with Lahore Qalandars, Victoria, and Guyana Amazon Warriors all tied on four points, each having won two matches and lost one. The next round of games will be crucial in determining which teams advance to the final.
For now, the Qalandars’ victory serves as a reminder of their ability to deliver under pressure, with Tabraiz Shamsi’s performance standing out as a defining moment in the tournament.
| Team | Matches Played | Won | Lost | Tied | Points | Recent Results | Remaining Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | W, W, L | vs HANTS |
| Guyana Amazon Warriors | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | W, L, W | vs RAR |
| Lahore Qalandars | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | L, W, W | vs RAR |
| Hampshire | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | T, L, L | vs VIC |
| Rangpur Riders | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | T, L | vs GAW, LQ |