RAWALPINDI: In a turnaround performance, Lahore Qalandars secured their first victory in the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by bowling out Islamabad United for 145 while chasing a target of 163 in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
Zaman Khan played a pivotal role, taking four wickets and conceding 37 runs in his 3.5 overs, while Qalandars’ skipper, Shaheen Shah Afridi, contributed with two wickets. The impressive bowling effort led to Qalandars defeating United by 17 runs.
Faheem Ashraf was the highest scorer for United with an unbeaten 41, and Azam Khan contributed 29 runs off 19 deliveries.
Having faced defeats in their first six games of the ongoing PSL edition, and with one game abandoned due to rain, this victory marked a significant turnaround for Lahore Qalandars.
In the first innings, the defending champions posted a total of 162 for the loss of seven wickets, with Rassie van der Dussen scoring 64 off 44 deliveries. Qalandars’ skipper, Shaheen Afridi, also added 30 runs to the total.
For Islamabad United, Rumman Raees took two wickets, while Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab Khan each secured one wicket.
Playing XIs:
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, Shai Hope (wk), Sikandar Raza, Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, David Wiese, Shaheen Afridi (c), Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, Tayyab Abbas
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (c), Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan (wk), Jordan Cox, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Hunain Shah, Naseem Shah, Rumman Raees
