RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United roared into Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season X with a commanding performance, dismantling Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets to kick-start their title defence in style at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday night.
Amid a dazzling spectacle of fireworks, laser lights, and a gravity-defying flying man who delivered the toss coin in cinematic fashion, United brought the same flair to the field — asserting dominance from the first ball to the last.
Put into bat, the Qalandars never truly found their rhythm, collapsing to 139 all out in the final over. Only Abdullah Shafique stood tall with a defiant 38-ball 66, laced with six boundaries and three towering sixes. The rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure, as United’s bowlers tore through with precision and aggression.
Captain Shadab Khan (3 for 25) led from the front, choking the top order with clever variations, while Jason Holder cleaned up the tail with a devastating spell of 4 for 26. Together, they orchestrated a bowling masterclass that left Lahore reeling at 58 for 4 by the 9th over — a blow from which they never recovered.
In response, Islamabad United chased down the target with effortless confidence. Colin Munro smashed an unbeaten 59, while Agha Salman played the perfect supporting role with a composed 41 not out. Their unbroken 80-run partnership sealed the victory in just 17.4 overs, showcasing United’s depth and composure.
Despite the defeat, Lahore’s Asif Afridi (1 for 15) was a rare bright spot, applying some pressure in the middle overs. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi remained hopeful, saying, “It is just the beginning of a long journey. Hopefully, we’ll address the flaws that were exposed today.”
Beaming United’s captain Shadab said that it was a good start. “Hopefully, we would carry this form further into the competition.”
Jason Holder was declared Player of the Match.
Earlier, the evening began with a spectacle befitting the league’s milestone season. A jam-packed stadium buzzed with energy as fans witnessed a breathtaking opening ceremony, complete with electric fireworks, synchronised laser displays, and a futuristic flying man who descended dramatically, setting the tone for a high-octane tournament ahead. PSL Season X is officially underway — and if the opening night was anything to go by, fans are in for a thrilling ride.
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