Islamabad United
Islamabad United kicked off their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign in commanding fashion, delivering a resounding eight-wicket defeat to Lahore Qalandars in the opening fixture at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday night.
Chasing a manageable target of 140 runs, the defending champions showcased their batting depth and composure, reaching the target with ease — losing just two wickets and with 14 balls to spare.
The run-chase began on a shaky note for United, as debutant opener Andries Gous was dismissed early in the second over with only eight runs on the board. However, his departure brought Colin Munro to the crease, who anchored the innings with a calm and composed performance. Munro stitched together a crucial 55-run stand with Sahibzada Farhan to steady the innings.
Farhan, who looked promising, was eventually dismissed by Haris Rauf in the ninth over after scoring 25 runs from 24 balls. His exit, however, didn’t slow down United’s momentum, as Munro found another reliable partner in Salman Ali Agha. Together, they forged a match-winning 80-run partnership, taking Islamabad United home comfortably.
Munro remained unbeaten with an impressive 59 off 42 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and a six, while Agha provided valuable support with a solid 41 not out from 34 balls, including three fours and a six. Lahore Qalandars’ bowling unit struggled to break the partnership, with Abbas Afridi and Haris Rauf claiming a wicket each.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars, put into bat by United captain Shadab Khan, had a tough outing with the bat. Their innings got off to a poor start, losing opener Fakhar Zaman for just one run in the second over.
Although Abdullah Shafique tried to anchor the innings with a spirited 66 off 38 balls — including six fours and three sixes — his efforts went in vain as the rest of the batting lineup crumbled.
Shafique found brief support from Daryl Mitchell (13) and Sikandar Raza (23), but the lack of meaningful contributions from the middle and lower order left Qalandars reeling. They were eventually bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs.
Jason Holder starred with the ball for Islamabad United, taking 4 wickets for just 26 runs in his four overs. Captain Shadab Khan chipped in with three wickets, while Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and Riley Meredith took one wicket each.
With this dominant win, Islamabad United climbed to the top of the PSL 10 standings, securing two points. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars found themselves at the bottom of the table after a disappointing start to their season.
