GSL 2026: Lahore Qalandars make winning start

Lahore Qalandars launched their ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL) T20 campaign on a winning note, defeating Perth Scorchers XI by 16 runs in the tournament opener at the Guyana National Stadium on Thursday. Asked to bat first, Lahore Qalandars recovered from an early collapse to post a competitive total of 171 for 7 in 20 overs, driven by half-centuries from Shayan Jahangir and Farhan Yousaf. In reply, the Scorchers were restricted to 155 for 7 in their 20 overs despite fightbacks from Andre Fletcher and Usman Khan. Qalandars endured a difficult start after losing Shamyl Hussain (4) to a sharp mid-wicket catch by Ashton Turner, while left-arm spinner Ashton Agar bowled Abdullah Shafique (12). Parvez Hossain Emon fell shortly after for 3, placing Qalandars under early pressure. USA opening batter Shayan Jahangir stabilised the innings with an aggressive 65 off 45 balls, striking eight fours and three sixes. Following Jahangir’s departure in the 14th over, Farhan Yousaf provided the late acceleration with a blistering 23-ball 50, hitting five sixes and three boundaries to lift the total past 170. Jhye Richardson was the standout bowler for Scorchers, finishing with figures of 3 for 27 in four overs, while fellow pacer Brody Couch took 2 for 29. In pursuit of 172, West Indian opener Andre Fletcher gave Scorchers early impetus with a 22-ball 35, hitting seven boundaries before falling to Ali Shabbir, caught by captain Michael Bracewell at short third man. Scorchers drifted to 47 for 2 inside the powerplay following the early dismissals of D’Arcy Short (8) and Joel Curtis (14). ​Usman Khan spearheaded the middle-order fightback with a top score of 41, supported by Dian Forrester’s 23, but the loss of captain Ashton Turner for 2 derailed the chase. Qalandars maintained pressure through disciplined bowling across the innings. Fast bowler Mohammad Imran delivered a match-winning spell of 2 for 18 from four overs, while leg-spinner Usama Mir claimed 2 for 35 to seal the 16-run victory. Yousaf was named Player of the Match for his quickfire half-century – the fastest in GSL history. The five-team round-robin tournament, featuring a total prize purse of US$1 million, continues Thursday evening at Providence as defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors take on USA-based San Francisco Unicorns. Lahore Qalandars return to action on Friday against Desert Vipers, while Perth Scorchers next face San Francisco Unicorns on Sunday evening.