Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalandars by 8 wickets in the opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
After winning the toss, Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan opted to bowl first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium — a decision that paid off well as Lahore Qalandars were bowled out for just 139 runs in 19.2 overs.
Lahore’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, with only Abdullah Shafique standing out by scoring a brisk 66 off 38 balls. Fakhar Zaman, Sam Billings, and David Wiese were all dismissed for ducks, while other batsmen failed to build momentum.
Jason Holder was the star with the ball for Islamabad, claiming 4 wickets. Shadab Khan took 3, while Naseem Shah, Rilee Meredith, and Imad Wasim picked up one wicket each.
In reply, Islamabad United chased down the target with ease, guided by Colin Munro’s solid, unbeaten fifty, securing an 8-wicket win to start their PSL 10 campaign on a high note.
The PSL 10 tournament will run until May 18, featuring a total of 34 matches. Rawalpindi will host 11 of them, including the opening fixture, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 games including the final. Karachi and Multan will host 5 matches each, and a special exhibition match is scheduled in Peshawar on April 8.
Six teams are participating in this month-long cricketing spectacle.
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.
