Lahore Qalandars defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs in PSL 11 opener 

Lahore (Web Desk): The defending Champions Lahore Qalandars made a strong statement at the start of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, outclassing debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday night.

After winning the toss, Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi chose to bat first and set a target of an imposing 199 for 6 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Hyderabad never found momentum and were eventually bundled out for 130, falling well short of the mark.The pursuit never gained traction, with the batting unit unable to stitch together any meaningful stands. Their best effort was a modest 25-run opening partnership, while skipper Marnus Labuschagne led the scoring with 26 off 22 deliveries. Saim Ayub added 17, but the rest of the lineup failed to offer resistance.

Reflecting on the defeat, Labuschagne admitted that Lahore held the upper hand in every department and deserved the win, though he expressed confidence in his side’s ability to bounce back in their next fixture on Sunday.

With the ball, Haris Rauf set the tone through pace and accuracy, finishing with figures of 2 for 22 from his four overs. Sikandar Raza and Ubaid Shah provided solid support, picking up two wickets each while conceding 27 runs apiece. Shaheen Afridi and Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with a wicket each, while the final two wickets fell through run-outs.

Earlier, Fakhar Zaman carried his rich vein of form from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, striking a confident 53 off 39 balls. He anchored an 84-run opening stand that laid a solid platform for Lahore.

Although the innings lost some momentum with four quick wickets and only around 50 runs added in the following seven overs, a steady unbeaten 40 from Hassebullah Khan and a brisk 24 off 10 balls by Sikandar Raza ensured a strong finish.

Shaheen Afridi then added late fireworks, smashing two consecutive sixes to lift the total to 199. For Hyderabad, Riley Meredith and Hassan Khan claimed two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali managed one, as the rest of the bowling unit struggled to make an impact.

Despite Sikandar Raza’s valuable contributions with both bat and ball, Fakhar Zaman was named Player of the Match for his influential half-century that set up the victory.

The action continues at the same venue on Friday evening, where Karachi Kings will go up against Quetta Gladiators.