Lahore Qalandars Winless Streak Continues Despite Valiant Century from Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen scored his fifth T20I century and first in Pakistan Super League but his valiant knock wasn’t enough to prevent two-time defending champion Lahore Qalandars from suffering their fifth consecutive defeat in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Sunday.
The South African batsman struck a swashbuckling 104 runs off just 52 deliveries, including six sixes and seven fours, but Lahore fell short by eight runs while chasing Peshawar Zalmi’s imposing total of 211-4. This marked Lahore’s first attempt at chasing a target this season.
Earlier, table-toppers Multan Sultans secured their fifth consecutive victory, handing Quetta Gladiators their first defeat in the tournament.
Despite van der Dussen’s heroics, Lahore’s batting faltered against a potent Peshawar bowling attack. Qalanders needed 110 off last 45 balls to win the match and their journey looked blocked.
However, Van der Dussen single-handedly kept his team’s hopes alive, reaching his maiden PSL century in the penultimate over with a six off Luke Wood.
Tall Paul Defends 18 in the Final Over Against Rassie and Jahandad
Another last over thriller came on cards, needing 18 runs in the final over, Lahore could only manage 15, with Carlos Brathwaite hitting a six off the last ball for consolation.
Peshawar’s formidable batting display earlier in the day laid the foundation for their victory. In the absence of the injured Haris Rauf, the opening partnership of Saim Ayub (88) and captain Babar Azam (48) provided a solid start, adding 136 runs off just 86 deliveries.
Rovman Powell then provided a late flourish with a quickfire 46 off 20 balls, including a brutal assault on young fast bowler Mohammad Imran for 22 runs in a single over. This helped Peshawar post the highest total of the PSL season so far.
Lahore captain Shaheen Shah Afridi tried his best to restrict the damage with three late wickets for 33 runs, but his efforts were overshadowed by Zaman Khan’s expensive spell, conceding 48 runs without taking a wicket.
Lahore Qalandars will look to break their losing streak when they face their next opponent in the PSL.
