Islamabad United crush Lahore Qalandars in PSL 10 opener

RAWALPINDI: Jason Holder’s four-wicket haul and an unbeaten half-century from Colin Munro powered Islamabad United to a huge win over Lahore Qalandars in the opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a meagre total of 140, United comfortably knocked down the winning runs, losing 2 wickets in the process with 14 balls to spare.

The home team started their run chase on a challenging note, losing debutant opener Andries Gous in the second over with only eight runs scored.

After this early setback, Munro came out to bat alongside Sahibzada Farhan, and together they mounted a recovery by adding 55 runs for the second wicket.

However, Farhan fell victim to Haris Rauf in the ninth over, contributing 25 runs off 24 balls.

Next, Munro partnered with Salman Ali Agha, and the two formed a match-winning partnership of 80 runs, guiding the team to victory.

Munro top-scored with an unbeaten 59 runs off 42 balls, featuring seven fours and a six, while Agha contributed 41 not out from 34 balls, which included three fours and a six.

For the Lahore Qalandars, both Asif Afridi and Haris Rauf managed to take one wicket each.

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Earlier, Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and chose to bowl first.

This decision proved advantageous for the defending champions, as their bowling unit, led by Holder, effectively dismantled the Lahore Qalandars’ batting lineup. The Qalandars were bowled out for a mere 139 runs in just 19.2 overs.

The start of the Qalandars’ innings was particularly poor, losing key batter Fakhar Zaman for just one run in the second over, with only four runs on the board.

Abdullah Shafique batted at number three and quickly established himself as a reliable player, but the rest of the team struggled, resulting in a disappointing overall score for the visitors.

Shafique was the top scorer, making 66 runs off 38 balls, which included six fours and three sixes, before being dismissed near the end of the innings.

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He built important partnerships with Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza, who contributed 13 and 23 runs, respectively.

Unfortunately, the other Qalandars batters found it difficult to handle the disciplined bowling attack from United, with none managing to score in double figures.

For United, Jason Holder stood out with impressive bowling figures of 4 wickets for 26 runs over four overs, while captain Shadab Khan took three wickets.

Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and overseas bowler Riley Meredith each claimed one wicket as well.