Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Shaheen Shah Afridi was seen visibly angry and frustrated after his dismissal during the PSL 2026 clash between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators at the National Stadium in Karachi. Leading Lahore this season, Afridi lost his temper after being dismissed for a duck by Usman Tariq.Afridi was caught at mid-on off Tariq’s delivery, leaving Lahore in a tricky situation. As he walked back, the skipper appeared furious – his face showing clear frustration. In an unusual outburst, he slammed his bat against the sidescreen tyre and then struck it on the staircase while heading towards the dressing room.The defending champions, Lahore Qalandars, have endured an inconsistent campaign so far. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, every game has become crucial, and Afridi’s reaction reflected the pressure within the camp.Meanwhile, the PSL 2026 points table offers a clear snapshot of the competition. Peshawar Zalmi are firmly at the top, having played seven matches, winning six, losing none, with one no result. They lead with 13 points and an outstanding net run rate of +2.404.Islamabad United are second with seven matches, four wins, two defeats and one no result, collecting nine points with a strong NRR of +1.481. Multan Sultans sit third, winning four of their six matches, with eight points and an NRR of +0.527.In the mid-table, Quetta Gladiators are fourth with three wins and four losses from seven games, earning six points and an NRR of +0.483. Hyderabad Kingsmen also have six points from seven matches but a negative NRR of -0.470, placing them fifth.Karachi Kings occupy sixth place with three wins and three defeats from six games, also on six points, but with a poor NRR of -1.501.Lahore Qalandars are seventh, managing just two wins from six matches, with four losses, four points and an NRR of -1.020. At the bottom are Rawalpindiz, still searching for their first win after six matches, with zero points and an NRR of -1.821.With the league stage intensifying, Lahore will need a quick turnaround to stay in the playoff race.
