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Sikandar Raza (Source: Twitter)
In a nail-biting thriller game on Thursday, Lahore Qalandars beat Quetta Gladiators by 17 runs in the 18th match of Pakistan Super League season 8. With the help of Sikandar Raza's amazing half-century, Qalandars came back from 50 for 7 to post 148 on the board and then restricted Gladiators to 131 to register a remarkable victory.
The Zimbabwean all-rounder scored 71 runs when it needed most and pulled back Qalandars in the game. Raza smashed 8 fours and 3 sixes in his blistering innings. However, he also shocked the audience with his breathtaking fielding efforts near ropes. As soon as the camera caught the incident video went viral on social and netizens praised Raza for his efforts and presence of Mind.
In the fifth, over of Gladiators' innings, Will Smeed charged Rashid Khan towards Deep mid-wicket for a maximum. Raza, who was present near the ropes, jumped as high as he could and caught the ball, although using his presence of mind threw it back before landing on the ropes. With this Raza denied six and restricted Smeed to just a couple of runs.
Watch Sikandar Raza's amazing fielding effort:
SUPERMAN @SRazaB24 π¦ΈββοΈ
β PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 2, 2023
Unreal effort from the man of the hour ππ#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray | #LQvQG pic.twitter.com/hRDZS2RNH8
Quetta Gladiators failed to choke Lahore Qalandars
After winning the toss, Gladiators' skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed opted to bowl first and restricted Qalandars to 50-7 in the first 10 overs. However, they failed to carry the momentum as Raza played an amazing inning to rescue his team.
While Chasing down a competitive total, Gladiators failed to hold their nerves and lost wickets at regular intervals. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan and David Wiese shined with their amazing spells and strangled Quetta's run-chase in the middle overs.
Notably, Lahore tops the table with 10 points with their only defeat coming against Karachi Kings. Gladiators are in danger of losing the playoff spot with just one victory in six games.