Starting their Pakistan Super League (PSL), Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalandars handily at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday. Colin Munro’s calm batting showing and Jason Holder’s outstanding bowling guaranteed an eight-wicket victory with 14 balls left. Fans following the match through platforms like the Bpexch App enjoyed real-time updates and thrilling moments as the action unfolded.
Match Summarising
With a modest aim of 140, Islamabad United came up with 142/2 in just 17.4 overs. Munro stayed perfect on 59, and with 41 not out, Salman Ali Agha gave excellent support. On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars battled with the bat and bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs.
The Commanding Chase of Islamabad
Beginning softly, debutant Andries Gous dropped early for just eight runs. But Munro and Sahibzada Farhan used a 55-run partnership to steady the ship. Haris Rauf dismissed Farhan for 25; Munro and Agha then took over and sealed the victory with an undefeated 80-run stand.
Munro’s 59 off 42 balls (7 fours, 1 six) formed the backbone of the chase; Agha’s 41 off 34 guaranteed no further mishaps. With just Rauf and Asif Afridi taking a wicket apiece, Lahore’s bowlers did not have much to rejoice about.
Holder’s genius with the ball
Earlier, the choice of Islamabad captain Shadab Khan to bowl first paid off when his bowlers destroyed Lahore’s batting line. With a 4/26 in his four overs, Jason Holder was the best performance. Shadab himself added three wickets; Riley Meredith, Naseem Shah, and Imad Wasim each chipped in one.
Fakhar Zaman fell for only one in the second over, and Lahore’s innings never acquired momentum. With a well-made 66 off 38 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes), Abdullah Shafique battled fiercely; unfortunately, a below-average total resulted from little middle-order help. The only other batters to hit double figures were 13-year- Daryl Mitchell and 23-year- Sikandar Raza.
Important Achievements
Impact of Jason Holder
With his disciplined bowling, the West Indian all-rounder destroyed Lahore’s middle order, hence proving why he is among the most valued T20 players. His four-wicket run helped to define Islamabad’s supremacy.
The Composed Knock of Colin Munro
Munro’s perfect half-century demonstrated his expertise and ability to anchor a chase. He worked with Agha to guarantee no late surprises.
The Lone Fight of Abdullah Shafique
Shafique’s bold 66 was a bright spot even if Lahore’s batting collapsed. Though his innings included some sharp boundaries, the lack of partnerships hurts the Qalandars.
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Where the Match Was Said to Have Won
Dominance in Power Play: Islamabad limited Lahore to just 36/2 in the first six overs, therefore preparing the ground for a poor total.
- Lahore lost their final five wickets for just 23 runs following Shafique’s dismissal.
- Munro-Agha Alliance: Their flawless 80-run performance grabbed the game away from Lahore.
Looking ahead, Islamabad United will be happy with their all-around performance; Lahore Qalandars must quickly reorganise. Both sides will want to gather momentum in the upcoming games as the PSL season barely starts.
Playing XIs Islamabad United Andries Gous, Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan (c), Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Muhammad Shahzad, Naseem Shah, Riley Meredith.
Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Shaheen Shah Afridi c), Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi.
- Final Scorecard from Lahore Qalandars: 139 all out (19.2 overs) – Shafique 66, holder 4/26, Shadab 3/20
- Islamabad United: 142/2 (17.4 overs) Munro 59, Agha 41, Rauf 1/24
While Lahore has to deal with their batting flaws before their next game, Islamabad’s all-around performance sends a clear message to other PSL teams.
