Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain made a stellar return to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), helping Lahore Qalandars book a place in the final with a dominant 95-run win over Islamabad United in the second qualifier on Saturday.
The PSL had been temporarily suspended earlier this month due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, forcing several overseas players, including Rishad, to return home. By the time the tournament resumed, Rishad was representing Bangladesh in a T20I series against the UAE, which delayed his return to the Qalandars’ squad.
Although he was left out of the playing XI in the Eliminator against Karachi Kings, Rishad was brought back for the high-stakes clash against Islamabad—and he delivered. After conceding 14 runs in a costly first over, the 21-year-old bounced back in style. He dismissed Salman Ali Agha in his second over, tempting the batter into a mistimed pull shot that was safely pouched by Mohammad Naim at long-on.
Rishad then claimed the prized wicket of Islamabad captain Shadab Khan for 26, just after being hit for a six. He followed it up by removing New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham on the final delivery of his spell, finishing with figures of 3 for 33 from three overs. His performance played a crucial role in Lahore skittling out Islamabad for just 107, chasing a mammoth target of 203.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Mirza had already dented Islamabad’s top order, sharing six wickets between them inside the first five overs. Afridi finished with 3 for 3, while Mirza took 3 for 16 in a devastating opening burst.
Earlier, Lahore’s innings was built on a strong batting display. After losing Fakhar Zaman cheaply in the second over, Mohammad Naim and Abdullah Shafique put together a 70-run stand for the second wicket. Naim led the charge with a blistering 50 off just 25 balls before falling to Imad Wasim.
Kusal Perera anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 35 deliveries, supported by cameos from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (22 off 13) and Asif Ali (15 off 7). Lahore eventually posted a commanding 202 for 7.
Bangladesh’s other representatives, however, endured tough outings. Shakib Al Hasan went wicketless, conceding 27 runs in three overs, while also being dismissed for a second consecutive duck in the tournament—caught by substitute fielder Mohammad Nawaz in the final over.
Rishad, who impressed with the ball, had a brief stay at the crease—scoring a boundary off his first ball but getting run out while attempting a second run on the final delivery of the innings. He finished with 5 runs.
Lahore Qalandars will now face Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 2025 final, carrying the momentum of a thumping win and the form of a rejuvenated Rishad Hossain.