Shaheen Afridi Blames Batting Collapse for Lahore Qalandars Loss to Peshawar Zalmi

Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi blamed the poor batting performance for the team’s recent loss against Peshawar Zalmi. He said the batting collapse was the key reason for the Qalandars defeat, something they need to fix quickly before the next match in the ongoing PSL 2026 season.  

Speaking after the match, Shaheen Shah Afridi defended his decision to bowl first, but accepted the fact that the team couldn’t execute their plans well.

"I believe bowling first was the right decision given the conditions, but unfortunately, we suffered a collapse in our batting. In a situation like that, a solid partnership was exactly what was required to stabilize the innings,” said Shaheen Shah Afridi after the match.

He then expressed confidence that the team will work on its mistakes and will make a strong comeback in the next PSL clash.

"It didn't happen for us today, but I am hopeful we will rectify that and put on a better show in the next game," said Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Shaheen then shed some light on the missed opportunities, saying the team should have grabbed them to put pressure on Peshawar Zalmi.

"As for the bowling unit, we created opportunities, but we have to take them. If we had held on to that catch when Kusal Mendis was only on one or two, it could have changed the entire complexion of the match. However, missed chances are part of the game," said Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Shaheen then expressed optimism for the upcoming games, saying the Qalandars still have a chance in the tournament if they perform well in the next matches.

"We still have five matches left in the tournament, and we know we have to be clinical and perform at our best from here on out," concluded Shaheen Shah Afridi.