Lahore Qalandars maintained their unbeaten start to the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League with a 38-run victory over the Desert Vipers at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday.
Michael Bracewell and Parvez Hossain Emon rescued the Qalandars with an 83-run partnership before leg-spinner Usama Mir claimed four wickets to derail the Vipers’ chase.
Batting first after winning the toss, the Qalandars recovered from a difficult start to post 176 for four from their 20 overs. They then dismissed the Vipers for 138 on the final delivery of the match.
Bracewell struck an unbeaten 49, which included four fours and three sixes, while Emon contributed 47 from 33 balls with three fours and three sixes. Their fifth-wicket stand came from just 37 deliveries and shifted the momentum firmly in Lahore’s favour.
The Qalandars had earlier lost Shamyl Hussain for nine after he found the fielder at mid-off, while Khary Pierre held a return catch to remove Abdullah Shafique for eight.
Shayan Jahangir made 28 and Farhan Yousaf, who scored a record-breaking half-century against the Perth Scorchers in the tournament opener, added 22. However, Lahore remained in an uncertain position until Bracewell and Emon launched their late assault.
Pierre was the Vipers’ most economical bowler, finishing with two for 14 from three overs.
The Vipers began their chase strongly through Kyle Mayers and Andries Gous, who shared a 70-run opening partnership that continued beyond the powerplay.
Gous led the scoring with 56, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Mayers contributed 30. Their dismissals, however, triggered a collapse as the Vipers struggled to keep pace with the rising required run rate.
Mir ripped through the middle order, including bowling Saiteja Mukkamalla for a duck, to finish with four for 23 from four overs. Rilee Rossouw made nine, while Bevon Jacobs was dismissed without scoring.
Mehran Mumtaz supported Mir with two for 28, while Shahab Khan claimed two for 16 from three economical overs.
Raymond Simmons was trapped leg-before on the final ball of the 20th over as the Vipers were bowled out for 138, handing the Qalandars their second consecutive victory.
The five-team tournament continues today when the Vipers face defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors from 7:00 pm.
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