Lahore Qalandars skipper Shaheen Afridi was visibly frustrated after getting out for a golden duck to Quetta Gladiators’ unorthodox spinner Usman Tariq in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 match on April 18. Afridi smashed his bat on the ground, stairs on his way to the dressing room.
In 10.2 overs, Qalandars had already lost half their side. Afridi walked out to bat ahead of Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza. Against Tariq, he went for the slog sweep but all he could manage was a top edge. Slip fielder, Gladiator skipper took an easy catch as Afridi departed for a golden duck.
It is yet to be seen whether Afridi faces a fine for his actions after leaving the field.
ALSO READ: 'Played only half the games, barely got to bat': Moeen Ali's last IPL season at KKR led to PSL shift
Raza also fell to Tariq but he contributed with a 17-ball 15. Hard it not been for Usama Mir's seven-ball 22 cameo featuring three sixes, Qalandars wouldn't have been able to post a total of 134. Tariq was the pick of the bowlers, conceding just 18 runs and bagging three wickets.
Rossouw, Nawaz win it for Gladiators
Afridi tried to do damage with the ball. He removed Shamyl Hussain for a three-ball duck in the first over. Then, Shakeel was run out by Charith Asalanka. But, Rilee Rossouw and Hasan Nawaz took control of the run chase. Nawaz missed his fifty, losing his wicket to Raza, getting out stumped for a 32-ball 49. The third-wicket partnership of 104 runs helped Gladiators dominate the proceedings. Haris Rauf got the consolation wicket of Dinesh Chandimal. Rossouw stood tall and remained unbeaten for 49-ball 60 while Bevon Jacobs contributed with a cameo. Afridi conceded 28 runs from his quota of four overs. He bowled as many as five wides.
“Our batters are struggling in Karachi. It is not as if we are out of the tournament. The upcoming back to back matches are an opportunity for our batters to step up. We have to keep believing in ourselves and divert our energies in winning the upcoming matches. It has to be a team effort as it takes a team to win the matches, not an individual. We have to win the next four games. It would not be easy, but we will give our best,” Afridi said in the post-match presentation.
Shaheen Afridi’s flop show with bat in PSL 2026
Afridi has struggled with the bat in the ongoing PSL 2026. His only double-digit score came against Hyderabad Kingsmen in their campaign opener. Since then, he has been dismissed for single-digit scores or hasn't been able to get off the mark. From last 10 T20 innings, his only impactful performance with the bat came against India, a 23-run unbeaten knock.
Qalandars are placed seventh on the points table with four losses from six games. They have a quick turnaround time as they face Rawalpindiz on April 18.