Basheera Steals The Show At Qalandars Vs Zalmi Match In Lahore
Local fan favorite enjoys PSL atmosphere despite team's performance woes.
Srijita De is a sports, makeup and fashion enthusiast with passion for providing readers with latest updates in the field. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world at Stylecraze, and sports at Cricketsweep.
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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has always been known for its electric atmosphere, and the recent match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi was no exception. While the result might not have gone in favor of the home team, the Qalandar’s mascot Basheera certainly had a memorable time at the stadium.
Basheera Wins Hearts At Gaddafi Stadium
In a recent Instagram post shared by Lahore Qalandars, Basheera is seen enjoying the match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi. The post caption reads, “Basheera ki jeet hai home crowd ka pyaar ❤️ Baaqiyon ka pata nahi, Basheera ko Qalandars v Zalmi per bohat maza aaya!” which translates to “Basheera’s victory is the love of the home crowd. Don’t know about others, but Basheera really enjoyed the Qalandars vs Zalmi match!”
Challenging Home Leg For Lahore Qalandars
The match against Peshawar Zalmi marked an important fixture for Lahore Qalandars in their home leg of the PSL season. The team had a difficult start to their home campaign. In a previous post, the team acknowledged: “Not an ideal start for our home leg 😔 Overwhelmed with the support of our home crowd, we will come back stronger!”
Despite the disappointing result, the fan support at Gaddafi Stadium remained unwavering, with Basheera leading the cheer throughout the match.
Standout Performances Amid Team Struggles
While the team faced challenges, individual brilliance shone through. Sikandar Raza delivered a crucial fifty in the match, with the team celebrating his performance on social media: “Sikandar Raza, take a bow! Absolutely crucial 50 from the birthday boy 👊🏼.” The Zimbabwe all-rounder, often referred to as “Qalandars ka Sikandar” by fans, stood his ground and fought till the end, showcasing why he’s a valuable asset to the team.
The match also featured notable performances from other players. In one of their Instagram posts, Lahore Qalandars highlighted the camaraderie between Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, describing them as “Do bhai, dono tabahi 🔥” (Two brothers, both destructive).
New Talent Makes Qalandars Debut
The game against Peshawar Zalmi also marked the debut of new players for Lahore Qalandars. Asif Ali, known for his explosive batting, made his first appearance for the team. The franchise introduced him as “The man with ice in his veins and fire in his bat,” highlighting expectations for his big-hitting abilities.
Another debutant was Azab, a product of Lahore Qalandars’ Player Development Program (PDP). The team announced his debut with excitement: “Say it loud, say it right — Azab (A-ZAB)! 🔥 Our PDP star is ready for the big stage!” This reflects Lahore Qalandars’ commitment to nurturing local talent through their development initiatives.
Community Engagement Beyond Cricket
Beyond the match itself, Lahore Qalandars demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility by hosting special guests at the stadium. In a heartwarming gesture, the team welcomed children from Almarah Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing a safe environment for orphans.
The team shared this initiative on social media, stating: “Honored to host kids from Almarah Foundation; an organisation committed to providing a safe and secure environment for orphans.” Such initiatives highlight how PSL franchises like Lahore Qalandars use their platform to support important social causes.
Lahore Qalandars: A Franchise With Passionate Support
Lahore Qalandars represents Lahore, Punjab in the Pakistan Super League. The team has built a reputation for having one of the most passionate fan bases in the league, despite experiencing mixed results over the years.
The franchise is owned by Qatar Lubricants Company Limited (QALCO) and has established itself as more than just a cricket team. Their Player Development Program has been particularly successful in identifying and nurturing cricket talent from grassroots levels across Pakistan.
As the PSL season continues, Lahore Qalandars will be hoping to reward Basheera and fans with victories on their home ground. For now, though, it’s the joy of being part of the cricket festival that seems to matter most to supporters at Gaddafi Stadium.
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