PSL 10: Lahore Qalandars set 140-run target for Islamabad United 

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Lahore Qalandars set 141-run target for Islamabad United in the opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Earlier, Islamabad United won the toss and opted to bowl first against Lahore Qalandars.

United captain Shadab Khan’s strategy reaped immediate rewards, as his bowling unit, spearheaded by Jason Holder, dismantled Lahore’s batting order with ruthless precision.

Lahore’s innings never quite got going. The early dismissal of Fakhar Zaman for just one run in the second over set the tone for a frustrating outing. With only four runs on the board at the time of his departure, the Qalandars found themselves on the back foot from the outset.

Abdullah Shafique, stepping in at number three, provided the only beacon of resistance. His 66 off 38 balls was both fluent and responsible, decorated with six boundaries and three towering sixes. However, his lone effort could not mask the collapse unraveling around him.

Brief moments of stability came through short partnerships with Daryl Mitchell, who managed 13, and Sikandar Raza, contributing 23, but none of the remaining batters could withstand the pressure.

The innings fell apart rapidly, with no other player reaching double figures, and the team was eventually bundled out in 19.2 overs.

The United bowling attack executed their plans with clinical discipline. Holder led the charge with a devastating spell, claiming four wickets for 26 runs in his full quota of overs.

Shadab Khan complemented the effort with three scalps of his own, applying pressure through sharp variations and tight lines.

Contributions from Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and Riley Meredith, who all chipped in with a wicket apiece, ensured that the Qalandars never found the room to recover.

This season, six teams are in the field for a lucrative prize pool, with the champions pocketing a hefty $500,000.

The runners-up won’t walk away empty-handed either, with $200,000 waiting at the finish line.

As the tournament rolls out across four cities, Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium stands at the heart of the action, hosting 13 clashes including the crucial Qualifier, the Eliminator, and the grand finale slated for May 18.

Rawalpindi isn’t far behind, hosting 11 high-voltage encounters, while Multan and Karachi are set to welcome fans for five games apiece, each contributing to the vibrant rhythm of a PSL season that promises drama, talent, and unforgettable cricketing moments.

Teams

Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Shadab Khan (captain), Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Naeem, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (captain), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.