Lahore Qalandars edge past Perth Scorchers XI in GSL opener

GUYANA: Half-centuries from Shayan Jahangir and Farhan Yousaf, followed by Mohammad Imran's economical bowling figures of 2/18, led Lahore Qalandars to a comfortable 16-run victory over Perth Scorchers XI in the Global Super League (GSL) 2026 curtain-raiser here at the Providence Stadium on Thursday.

Scorchers captain Ashton Turner's decision to field first backfired as the three-time Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions registered a formidable total of 171/7 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Jahangir and Farhan.

The right-handed opener remained the top-scorer for the Qalandars with a brisk 65 off 45 deliveries, studded with eight fours and three sixes, as he oversaw their innings until the fourth delivery of the 14th over.

Following his departure, Pakistan's U19 captain Yousaf took the reins and ensured bolstering their total past the 170-run mark with a quickfire 50 off just 23 deliveries, comprising five fours and three sixes, and was thus adjudged the Player of the Match.

Besides them, only top-order batter Abdullah Shafique (12) and captain Michael Bracewell (10) could amass double figures against the Scorchers' bowling attack, led by Jhye Richardson, who picked up three wickets for 37 runs in his three overs.

Brody Couch bagged two wickets for the Big Bash League (BBL) side, while D'Arcy Short and Ashton Agar could claim one apiece.

Set to chase a daunting 172-run target, the Scorchers could accumulate 155/7 in their allotted overs and thus got off to an unwanted start to their GSL 2026 campaign.

Usman Khan remained the top-scorer for the Scorchers with a gutsy 41 off 32 deliveries, featuring three fours and two sixes, followed by experienced opener Andre Fletcher, who made a 22-ball 35 up the order.

All-rounder Dian Forrester was the other notable run-getter for the Scorchers with his cautious 23 off 21 deliveries.

Usama Mir and Imran jointly spearheaded Lahore Qalandars' bowling charge with two wickets, but the latter was more economical as he gave away just 18 runs in his four overs, while the leg-spinner conceded 35. Ali Shabbir and captain Bracewell, on the other hand, chipped in with one scalp apiece.