Shakib Al Hasan Returns but Falls for a Golden Duck as Lahore Qalandars Chase Play-off Spot

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan re-joined the Lahore Qalandars in Islamabad yesterday, 17 May, and was thrust straight into a do-or-die group fixture against Peshawar Zalmi today—effectively an unofficial quarter-final for Lahore.

Batting first, the Qalandars posted 149 for 7 in their allotted 13 overs. Shakib’s comeback, however, lasted only one ball: sent in after Asif Ali fell on the fifth delivery of the 11th over, he was bowled first-up, recording a golden duck. For a brief moment the frustrated left-hander jabbed his bat at a stump, but quickly regained composure and headed back to the pavilion.

The match is Lahore’s final group game of this season’s Pakistan Super League. A victory guarantees a play-off berth; defeat means elimination.

Although Shakib has been signed initially for this single match—replacing the injured Daryl Mitchell—his involvement will extend if the Qalandars qualify. The game also marks Shakib’s return to competitive cricket after more than six months away; his last appearance was on 30 November last year for Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League.

Lahore now look to their bowlers—and a soon-to-be-redeemed Shakib—to defend 149 and keep their title defence alive.