LAHORE – Islamabad United had an impressive start to their Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) journey, defeating defending champions Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets on Saturday.
Chasing mammoth scores set by host Qalandar, Islamabad skipper Shadab Khan displayed top skills as he stitched good partnership with young talent Salman Ali Agha.
United faced initial blow as Colin Munro returned early, scoring 5 in two overs as he was caught by Zaman Khan. Alex Hales then took charge and played a knock of 36 on 28 balls.
Salman Ali Agha brings up his 50* as well!
What a way to register your first outing in #UnitedColors 🔥#LQvIU #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/NenVdwNMvG
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 17, 2024
In first half of the game, Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen’s quick half-tons powered Lahore Qalandars to big total of 195-5 against Islamabad United in opening match PSL 2024.
Qalandars batters too displayed finest skills as they had a flying start to their innings, courtesy of a solid partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and navy man Fakhar Zaman.
Farhan remains second top scorer as he slammed 57 on 36. Seasoned hitter Fakhar Zaman failed to score big as he returned after hitting 13. Shibzada Farhan kept charge and dominated visitors, registering his first ever PSL half-century, courtesy of eight boundaries and maximum.
Huge total on the board after sizzling fifties from Rassie van der Dussen and Sahibzada Farhan 💫
Can Islamabad United chase this down?#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #LQvIU pic.twitter.com/cdry5Anr04
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 17, 2024
Later, Abdullah Shafique and Rassie van der Dussen took charge of Qalandar’s batting expedition.
The duo then stitched 73-run for third wicket which came off just 42 deliveries. Lahore Qalandars appeared in driving seat but Mills caught Abdullah who scored 28 off 22 deliveries.
Meanwhile, Rassie van der Dussen carried his bat all the way through and bolstered Qalandars’ total. He remained unbeaten on 71, smashing four boundaries and three maximum.
For United, Mills took charge in bowling section with 2/45, followed by Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah, who bagged one scalp each.
