PSL 7 (2022) Campaign Summary: From Rock Bottom to Royalty

For years, Lahore Qalandars were the PSL’s punching bag. But in 2022, they rewrote their story. Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, they shed their underdog tag and claimed their first-ever PSL title. PSL 7 was a tale of redemption, resilience, and raw talent.

Team Snapshot: The Underdogs Who Roared

Lahore Qalandars were a team reborn, with their PDP unearthing gems and a passionate fanbase fueling their fire.

• Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi
• Batting Core: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Hafeez
• Pace Unit: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan
• Spin Attack: Rashid Khan
• All-Rounders: David Wiese, Samit Patel
• Foreign Firepower: Phil Salt, Harry Brook

Tournament Context: PSL 7 at a Glance
From January 27 to February 27, 2022, PSL 7 unfolded in Karachi and Lahore. After years of last-place finishes, Lahore entered with cautious optimism, determined to change their fate.

Performance Breakdown: Rise to Glory

• Matches Played: 13
• Wins: 8
• Losses: 5
• Final Standing: 1st
• Win Percentage: 61.54%.

Lahore started with a stumble, losing to Multan Sultans by five wickets. But they bounced back, with Fakhar Zaman’s century powering a six-wicket win over Karachi Kings. They outmuscled Peshawar Zalmi by 29 runs, thanks to Zaman Khan’s three wickets. A thrilling chase against Islamabad United saw Lahore defend 174/9, with Zaman Khan conceding just three runs in the final over. In the final on February 27, Lahore chased Multan’s total with ease, winning by 42 runs, with Hafeez, Shaheen, and Zaman Khan shining.

Key Matches That Told the Story

• Match vs. Karachi Kings: Won by 6 wickets. Fakhar’s ton lit up the chase.
• Match vs. Islamabad United: Won by 8 runs. Zaman Khan’s final-over heroics sealed it.
• Final vs. Multan Sultans (Feb 27): Won by 42 runs. A clinical chase crowned Lahore champions.

What Went Right: The Perfect Storm

• Batting: Fakhar Zaman was unstoppable, with Shafique and Hafeez stepping up.
• Bowling: Shaheen and Haris Rauf were a nightmare for batters, while Rashid Khan spun webs.
• Fielding: Agile and alert, a far cry from past seasons.
• Leadership: Shaheen’s aggression and cool-headedness inspired the team.

Challenges That Tested Them

• Early Loss: The opening defeat to Multan shook confidence but sparked a turnaround.
• Injury Concerns: Minor niggles tested their bench, but the core held firm.

Final Word: A New Dawn
PSL 7 was Lahore’s coming-of-age. From perennial losers to champions, they silenced critics and ignited dreams. The Qalandars had arrived—could they stay on top?

Also Read: Lahore Qalandars PSL 8 Summary