Lahore Qalandars crush Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs in PSL 11 opener

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars dominated newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs in the opening match of Pakistan Super League 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Electing to bat first, Qalandars posted a challenging 199/6 in 20 overs, anchored by a fluent 53 off 39 balls from Fakhar Zaman. Openers Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem shared an 84-run partnership before Naeem was dismissed for 30. Abdullah Shafique (4) was run out shortly after, while Fakhar fell to Hassan Khan soon after reaching his half-century.

Middle-order contributions from Haseebullah Khan (unbeaten 40 off 28 balls) and all-rounder Sikandar Raza (24 off 10) stabilized the innings. Lower-order hitters Asif Ali (9) and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (12 not out) helped push the total close to 200.

Chasing the target in their maiden PSL outing, Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled against a disciplined Qalandars attack and were bowled out for 130 in 20 overs.

Captain Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with 26, while No.9 batter Riley Meredith added 19 not out. Saim Ayub (17), Hammad Azam (10), and Mohammad Ali (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures.

For Lahore Qalandars, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, and Ubaid Shah picked up two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman and Afridi claimed one wicket apiece.

This edition of PSL features eight teams for the first time, including debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz, with Multan Sultans under new administration. Matches will be played across Lahore and Karachi in empty stadiums.

The Qalandars, seeking to defend their title, relied on a potent pace attack and balanced batting, while the Kingsmen, despite a star-studded line-up including Kusal Perera, and record signing Saim Ayub, fell short in their first outing.