Twitter Reactions: Harry Brook’s sensational hundred almost secures Lahore Qalandars a top-two finish

Lahore Qalandars have all but secured a top-two finish as they thrashed Islamabad United by 66 run in their penultimate league-stage game of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022. It was indeed a comprehensive win for Shaheen Afridi’s men as Islamabad United, chasing 198, couldn’t come anywhere close to the required target. Harry Brook stole the show with a remarkable century and walked away with a Player-of-the-Match award.

Earlier in the game, Lahore Qalandars won the toss and opted to bat at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. There was a last-minute change in the Islamabad line-up with Marchant de Lange replacing the injured Hasan Ali. Meanwhile, the Qalandars got off to a disastrous start as they lost three wickets inside 12 runs. Faheem Ashraf were simply brilliant with the new ball as United found themselves at the driver’s seat.

Harry Brook takes Islamabad United bowlers by storm

Nonetheless, Fakhar Zaman joined forces with Harry Brook and the duo brought Lahore back in the hunt. While Zaman was playing cautiously, Brook backed his attacking instincts and played some delightful shots all over the park. The duo added 101 runs for the fourth wicket before Zaman fell prey for Zahir Khan for 51.

However, Brook continued his onslaught and brought up a remarkable hundred. He remained unbeaten on 102 off 49 deliveries as the Qalandars posted 197/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Chasing the formidable total, Islamabad needed a flying start and hence, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz attacked bowlers from the outset.

The Afghanistan batter, however, perished after scoring 20 off 11 deliveries. Mubasir Khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr couldn’t do much either as skipper Shaheen Afridi breathed fire with the new ball. While Liam Dawson did showcase some fight, he fell prey to Zaman Khan after scoring 31. Rashid Khan was the wrecker-in-chief in the middle overs as Islamabad were pushed out of the hunt. The Asif Ali-led side was eventually restricted  to 131/9, losing the contest by 66 runs.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterati reacted to Lahore Qalandars’ win: