Islamabad United crush Lahore Qalandars in one-sided PSL 11 clash

In a dominant all-round display, Islamabad United outclassed defending champions Lahore Qalandars to register a comprehensive victory in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League season 11 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target of 101, Islamabad United made light work of the total, reaching 101 for the loss of just one wicket in 11 overs. The chase was anchored by a superb unbeaten knock from Devon Conway, who led from the front with an elegant display of stroke play.

United’s innings began with an early hiccup as opener Sameer Minhas was dismissed for five off eight balls by Shaheen Afridi on the first ball of the third over. However, Conway steadied the innings alongside Mohammad Faiq, and the duo quickly took control of the chase.

The pair stitched together a fluent partnership, bringing up the team’s fifty within six overs while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. Both batters played confidently against the Qalandars’ bowling attack, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries.

Conway, in particular, was in scintillating form, finding boundaries at will to register his maiden PSL half-century. He remained unbeaten on 59 off 35 balls, smashing seven fours and three sixes. Faiq provided solid support with a quickfire 34 off 19 deliveries, including six boundaries, as United cruised to victory with ease.

Earlier, Islamabad United’s bowlers laid the foundation for the emphatic win by bundling out Lahore Qalandars for just 100 in 18.3 overs, courtesy of a disciplined and effective spin attack.

The Qalandars’ innings got off to a disastrous start when Imad Wasim dismissed Mohammad Naeem for a first-ball duck in the opening over. A brief 26-run stand between Haseebullah Khan and Abdullah Shafique offered some resistance, but Imad struck again to remove Shafique for 10, leaving Lahore at 27-2.

Wickets continued to tumble as Chris Green bowled Haseebullah for 19 at the end of the eighth over. In the following over, Islamabad captain Shadab Khan dismissed Rubin Hermann, reducing Qalandars to 41-4.

A 31-run partnership between Asif Ali and Sikandar Raza briefly revived the innings, but Shadab broke the stand by removing Asif for 15. The collapse resumed as debutant Ryan Burl fell cheaply, leaving Lahore struggling at 76-6.

Raza attempted to anchor the innings with a fighting 25 off 19 balls, while Shaheen Afridi chipped in with a few runs. However, Green returned to dismiss Raza, effectively ending Qalandars’ hopes of posting a competitive total.

Richard Gleeson then struck twice in quick succession, removing Haris Rauf and Ubaid Shah, before Faheem Ashraf claimed the final wicket of Shaheen Afridi to wrap up the innings.

Chris Green was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3 for 19 in four overs. Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson and Shadab Khan picked up two wickets each, while Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one.

The comprehensive victory strengthens Islamabad United’s position in the tournament, while Lahore Qalandars will need to regroup quickly after a disappointing all-round performance.