United registers resounding victory in PSL 9 opener, watch highlights

• Islamabad United won by 8 wickets against Lahore Qalandars.
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• Shadab Khan was made Man of the Match after all-round performance.
• Farhan Sahanzada scored his first PSL half-century.

In the inaugural match of the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Islamabad United triumphed over the reigning champions, Lahore Qalandars, by eight wickets. This victory was largely due to the impressive batting displays by captain Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha.

The match, which took place at Gaddafi Stadium, saw United reach their target in the 19th over. Shadab scored an unbeaten 74 off 41 balls, while Salman contributed a 61 off 34 balls. Together, they formed an unbroken partnership of 138 runs.

Alex Hales also played a significant role in the chase, scoring a quick 36 off 28 balls. Salman Fayyaz and Zaman Khan each took a wicket.

 

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Earlier in the game, Qalandars demonstrated their batting strength by setting a target of 196 runs for United. This was thanks to the exceptional batting performances of Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen.

Batting first, Qalandars got off to a strong start with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman forming a brisk partnership. Farhan led the scoring, quickly accumulating runs, while Zaman also made a valuable contribution before being dismissed in the seventh over.

Farhan continued his aggressive batting, reaching his first PSL half-century in just 29 balls. His departure in the 11th over briefly slowed the run rate, but Abdullah Shafique and Rassie van der Dussen quickly restored momentum, forming a key partnership that pushed Qalandars’ innings forward.

With Shafique offering crucial support, van der Dussen displayed his batting skills with a swift unbeaten 71 off just 41 balls. His aggressive batting, which included four boundaries and three sixes, bolstered Lahore’s total in the final overs, setting a challenging target for United.

Despite determined bowling efforts from United, led by Tymal Mills who took two wickets for 45 runs, Qalandars’ powerful batting proved too strong to restrain. Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah also each made a breakthrough.

Watch short highlights below;

For full highlights click on the link below;