Defending champions Islamabad United kicked off their HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) X campaign in style, cruising to an eight-wicket victory over two-time champions Lahore Qalandars in the opening match at Rawalpindi on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 140, United overcame a shaky start after USA’s Andries Gous was bowled by 38-year-old Asif Afridi. However, Sahibzada Farhan and New Zealand’s Colin Munro steadied the ship with a 55-run partnership, taking the score to 63.
Farhan, who initially looked unsettled, chipped in with a handy 25 off 24 balls, hitting three sixes before he was dismissed attempting a fourth. His mistimed shot was brilliantly caught by Sikandar Raza at deep mid-wicket, handing Qalandars their second breakthrough.
Lahore had a golden opportunity to gain momentum when Haris Rauf dropped a sitter off Pakistan T20 captain Agha Salman in the very next over. The missed chance proved costly as Agha and Munro took full control, steering United home with ease.
United chased down the target in the 18th over with eight wickets in hand. Munro remained dominant throughout his 59-run knock off 42 balls, while Agha provided solid support with an unbeaten 41 off 34.
Jason Holder was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, claiming 4 wickets for just 26 runs.
Earlier, Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan made the decision to ask Qalandars to bat first.
Qalandars suffered an early and significant setback when Fakhar Zaman, returning from injury, threw his wicket away attempting a pull shot off Riley Meredith’s short-pitched delivery, only to be caught behind.
Mohammad Naeem, handed an early reprieve after Naseem Shah dropped him at deep third man, failed to capitalize on the chance and followed Fakhar back to the pavilion — once again caught behind while chasing a wide delivery.
Abdullah Shafique looked composed at the crease, anchoring the innings as he guided his side past the 50-run mark alongside Daryl Mitchell. However, Mitchell gifted Shadab Khan the simplest of catches at extra cover while trying to lift Imad Wasim over the infield.
The Qalandars’ troubles deepened when England’s Sam Billings fell cheaply, miscuing a lofted shot off Shadab and getting caught in the deep, leaving Lahore struggling at 58 for 5.
Shafique then found some support in Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, and the duo took the total to 93 before Shadab struck again. Raza attempted a big shot over mid-wicket but was caught in the deep, handing United another breakthrough.
As Qalandars sought a recovery, Jason Holder broke their resistance with a double-strike in one over, and in his next, he rattled Shaheen Shah Afridi’s stumps to leave the batting side in tatters.
Amidst the collapse, Abdullah Shafique stood firm, bringing up a valuable half-century. His resilient knock helped Lahore post a respectable total on a pitch that offered plenty of assistance to bowlers.
Abdullah Shafique’s resilient innings came to an end after a well-made 66 off 38 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, as Lahore Qalandars were bowled out for 139 in the final over.
Jason Holder starred with the ball, claiming four wickets, while skipper Shadab Khan chipped in with three crucial scalps.
Lahore Qalander’s XI: Shaheen Afridi(Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Naeem, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings(WK), Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, , Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.
Islamabad United XI: Shadab Khan(Captain) Andries Gous,Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan(WK), Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.
