RAWALPINDI: Defending champions Islamabad United began their HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 campaign on a winning note, defeating Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in the tournament opener on Friday.
United successfully chased down a modest target of 140 in just 17.3 overs, courtesy of a composed 59-run knock from Colin Munro and a valuable unbeaten 41 from Agha Salman, after earlier suffering an early blow with the dismissal of Andries Gous.
Lahore’s experienced spinner Asif Afridi drew first blood, bowling the USA’s Gous early. However, Sahibzada Farhan and Munro built a steady 55-run stand to keep the innings on track. Farhan, though initially scratchy, smashed three sixes in his 25-run cameo before falling to a well-judged catch by Sikandar Raza at deep mid-wicket.
The turning point came in the next over when Haris Rauf dropped a regulation catch off Agha Salman, a mistake that proved decisive. Salman and Munro capitalized on the error, smoothly guiding United to victory with an unbeaten 77-run stand.
Munro remained the standout batter, scoring 59 off 42 balls, while Agha’s 41 not out off 34 provided vital support.
Earlier in the day, United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and elected to bowl first — a decision that paid off handsomely.
Lahore Qalandars’ innings faltered early as Fakhar Zaman, returning from injury, fell cheaply to a short ball from Riley Meredith, caught behind attempting an aggressive pull. His partner Mohammad Naeem, who had earlier survived a drop by Naseem Shah, also perished soon after, repeating the same mistake of chasing a wide delivery.
Abdullah Shafique was the only Qalandars batter to put up a fight, anchoring the innings with a gutsy 66 off 38 balls, including six fours and three sixes. He stitched together brief partnerships with Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza, but consistent breakthroughs from Islamabad’s bowlers kept Lahore on the back foot.
Jason Holder delivered a sensational spell, finishing with 4 wickets for 26 runs, including a crucial double-strike that dismantled the lower order. Shadab Khan provided excellent support with 3 wickets, including the dismissals of Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza.
Lahore were bowled out for 139 in the final over, a total that proved too little on a batting-friendly surface.
Match Summary:
Lahore Qalandars: 139 all out (Abdullah Shafique 66, Jason Holder 4/26, Shadab Khan 3/28)
Islamabad United: 140/2 in 17.3 overs (Colin Munro 59*, Agha Salman 41*)
Result: Islamabad United won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Jason Holder (Islamabad United)
