The much-anticipated start of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 unfolded at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on February 17, 2024, as Lahore Qalandars clashed with Islamabad United in a thrilling encounter. In an action-packed match, Islamabad United secured a convincing 8-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars, establishing their dominance in the opening game of the season.
Key Highlights:
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Islamabad United allowed Lahore Qalandars to set a challenging target of 196 runs. Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen showcased remarkable resilience, contributing 57 and 71 runs, respectively, for Lahore Qalandars.
The second innings witnessed a stellar display of batting prowess by Islamabad United, led by Shadab Khan and Agha Salman. Their strategic play and well-coordinated partnerships ensured a smooth victory, with the target chased down comfortably with 10 balls to spare.
Team Line-ups:
Islamabad United:
- Colin Munro
- Alex Hales
- Shadab Khan (c)
- Agha Salman
- Azam Khan (wk)
- Haider Ali
- Imad Wasim
- Faheem Ashraf
- Naseem Shah
- Ubaid Shah
- Tymal Mills
Lahore Qalandars:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Abdullah Shafique
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Lorcan Tucker (wk)
- Sahibzada Farhan
- David Wiese
- Jahandad Khan
- Shaheen Afridi (c)
- Zaman Khan
- Haris Rauf
- Salman Fayyaz
In Conclusion:
The match not only met the expectations surrounding Pakistan Super League Season 9 but also paved the way for an enthralling tournament. Islamabad United’s impressive start is sure to fuel anticipation among cricket enthusiasts for the unfolding drama and outstanding performances in the rest of the competition.
