Islamabad United crush Lahore Qalandars in PSL 10 opener

Defending Champion Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. 

In pursuance of a target of 140 runs, Islamabad United reached home in 17.4 overs after losing only two wickets. 

Colin Munro 59* (42) and Agha Salman 41* (34) help Islamabad to clinch an easy victory over PSL 8 champion Lahore Qalandars.

The duo posted an unbeaten partnership of 80 runs.

 Sahibzada Farhan also made a notable contribution earlier in the chase, scoring 25 off 24 balls.

Haris Rauf and Asif Afridi could take one wicket each.

 Put into bat first, Lahore Qalandars piled 139 runs in 19.1 overs for all out, courtesy of opening batter Abdullah Shafique’s 66.

Jason Holder took four wickets for 26, and Shadab Khan claimed three for 26, effectively dismantling the Lahore Qalandars’ batting lineup.   

The Qalandars’ innings got off to a dismal start, as key batter Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for just one run in the second over. 

With only four runs on the board at that stage, the pressure mounted quickly on the visiting side.

Batting at number three, Abdullah Shafique took the responsibility upon himself and delivered a composed yet aggressive knock, scoring 66 runs off 38 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes.

Shafique formed brief partnerships with Daryl Mitchell (13) and Sikandar Raza (23), but their dismissals further dented the Qalandars' hopes of posting a competitive total.

None of the remaining batters reached double digits, as Islamabad United's bowling attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.

The standout performer for United was Jason Holder, who delivered a brilliant spell of 4 wickets for 26 runs in four overs.

He was supported by Captain Shadab Khan, who took three crucial wickets. 

Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and overseas pacer Riley Meredith also chipped in with a wicket each.

Playing Squads 

Islamabad United: Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Agha, +Azam Khan, *Shadab Khan, Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.
 
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Naeem, Daryl Mitchell, +Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, *Shaheen Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.