PSL 10: Islamabad United begin their campaign with dominant win over Lahore Qalandars

Islamabad United kicked off their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign with a convincing eight-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

United, the defending champions, comfortably chased down a 140-run target with 14 balls to spare and just two wickets lost. The victory was led by a strong all-round performance, including a brilliant debut by West Indies pacer Jason Holder and a composed half-century by Colin Munro.

United’s chase got off to a shaky start when debutant opener Andries Gous was dismissed early, scoring only four runs. However, Colin Munro and Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings with a 55-run partnership. Farhan was dismissed for 25 runs in the ninth over, but Munro continued his fine form.

Munro then partnered with Salman Ali Agha, and the pair added 80 unbeaten runs to seal the win. Munro remained not out on 59 from 42 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. Agha supported well with 41 not out from 34 deliveries, including three boundaries and a six.

Earlier, United’s decision to bowl first paid off as their bowlers, led by Jason Holder, restricted the Qalandars to 139 runs in 19.2 overs. Holder impressed on his PSL debut with figures of 4 for 26 in four overs. Captain Shadab Khan also shone with the ball, picking up three wickets. Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, and Riley Meredith took one wicket each.

Lahore Qalandars had a poor start, losing Fakhar Zaman for just one run. Abdullah Shafique tried to anchor the innings, scoring a fighting 66 from 38 balls with six fours and three sixes. He shared short partnerships with Daryl Mitchell (13) and Sikandar Raza (23), but the rest of the batting line-up failed to contribute.

With this dominant win, Islamabad United earned two points and currently sit at the top of the PSL 10 points table. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars find themselves at the bottom after the opening match.