Lahore vs Islamabad: United Secures 8-Wicket Victory in PSL 9 Opener

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) first match was played between Lahore vs Islamabad with a dazzling Opening Ceremony at Gadaffi Stadium Lahore on 17 Feb 2024. Islamabad United clinched a comprehensive victory against Lahore Qalandar by 8 wickets with 10 balls remaining in the inning.

After winning the toss, Lahore Qalandar batting first put a total of 196 runs on the board for Islamabad to win. United completed the score in the 19th over with an unbeaten partnership of 138 runs between skipper Shadab Khan’s 74* off 41 balls and Salman Ali Agha’s 34-ball 61.

Islamabad’s captain Shadab Khan was awarded the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance including 74 runs not out and one wicket.

Read more: PSL 9 Begins with Dazzling Opening Ceremony

Opening batsman Alex Hales also made a notable contribution for IU scoring 28-ball 36. For Lahore Qalandar in the field, Salman Fayyaz and Zaman Khan bagged a wicket each.

Lahore Qalandars take a good start in the powerplay overs after choosing to bat first. Fakhar Zaman and Shabizada Farhan made a solid partnership scoring 66 runs in the first 7 overs.

Sixes galore to fire Islamabad United to a thumping win 🔴#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #LQvIU pic.twitter.com/UQHVl9HROm

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 17, 2024

Fakhar Zaman didn’t take too long to stand as early dismissed by the skipper Shahdab Khan and got caught on the boundary only on 13 runs.

Shabizada Farhan played an exceptional innings of 57 runs including 8 fours and 1 six. Abdullah Shafiuqe played an inning of 28 runs hitting 3 four. Tymal Mills became the star bowler for United he dismissed both these batters.

Opener Farhan scored his first PSL half-century in just 29 deliveries. Lahore’s Abdullah Shafique and Rassie van der Dussen rapidly regained momentum, forging a vital partnership to drive Qalandars’ innings forward. Van der Dussen remained the highest scorer for LQ and anchored the inning with a fluid 71 off just 41 deliveries.

For Islamabad United’s bowling lineup, Tymal Mills claimed two wickets for 45 runs. Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah also contributed with a breakthrough each against the hosts in the first match of PSL 9 at Gaddafi Stadium.