The ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off with a bang on Saturday night, as Islamabad United crushed defending champions Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in a thrilling encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Shadab, Salman Star in United’s Chase:
Chasing a modest target of 196, United got off to a flying start thanks to a dominant batting display by their captain, Shadab Khan, and opener Salman Ali Agha. Shadab, playing his first competitive match after recovering from injury, smashed an unbeaten 74 off 41 balls, including six fours and five sixes. He stitched together a match-winning 138-run partnership for the third wicket with Agha, who also impressed with a quick-fire 64 not out off 31 balls, laced with seven boundaries and three maximums.
Qalandars’ Early Promise Fades:
Earlier, Qalandars were put into bat and started brightly with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting together a 66-run stand in the powerplay. However, Shadab Khan broke the partnership, dismissing Fakhar for 13 in the seventh over. Qalandars lost wickets at regular intervals thereafter, despite contributions from Abdullah Shafique (28) and Rassie van der Dussen (71*). Van der Dussen, playing against his former team, top-scored for Qalandars with an unbeaten half-century, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent their downfall.
United Bowlers Step Up:
The United bowling attack, featuring the returning Naseem Shah, displayed commendable discipline. Shah, playing his first competitive match in nearly six months, conceded only 36 runs in his four overs and picked up a wicket. Shadab, despite being rusty, contributed with one wicket while the experienced Tymal Mills snagged two scalps.
Dominant Start for United:
This emphatic victory marks a strong start to the tournament for Islamabad United. The team’s batting showcased depth and power, with Shadab and Salman leading the charge. Their bowling attack, bolstered by the return of key players, looked sharp and disciplined. The defending champions, on the other hand, will need to address their middle-order woes and tighten their bowling if they want to bounce back in the tournament.
Scores in brief:
Lahore Qalandars 195-5, 20 overs, (Rassie van der Dussen 71 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 57, Abdullah Shafique 28; Tymal Mills 2-45, Shadab Khan 1-24)
Islamabad United 200-2, 18.2 overs (Shadab Khan 74 not out, Salman Ali Agha 64 not out, Alex Hales 36; Salman Fayyaz 1-23)
Result: Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets
Player of the match – Shadab Khan (Islamabad United)
Upcoming fixture: Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (2 pm); Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium (7 pm)
