Shadab Khan and Agha Salman’s remarkable 138-run collaboration guides Islamabad United to an 8-wicket triumph over defending PSL champions Lahore Qalandars on their home turf.
United’s captain, Shadab Khan, won the toss and chose to field. Making a comeback from injury, pacer Naseem Shah struggled initially, sending down a wide before finding his rhythm.
The pitch exhibited low bounce and occasional two-paced behavior. The opening bowlers for United, the ‘Shah Brothers’ – Naseem and Ubaid Shah – had mixed fortunes. Ubaid had a challenging outing, conceding 15 runs in just one over.
Qalandars’ opener, Sahibzada Farhan, made an explosive start, consistently finding boundaries regardless of the bowler’s pace or spin.
Shadab, bowling the first non-powerplay over (7th), claimed the wicket of Fakhar Zaman, who attempted a big shot but could only manage a run-a-ball 13.
SEE FULL SCHEDULE HERE — 2024 PSL Schedule: Fixtures for Pakistan Super League (PSL 9)
Despite fielding lapses, United restricted LQ’s total; however, Faheem Ashraf had a tough night, conceding three sixes in an over, ending with figures of 3-0-40-0.
In the 11th over, English pacer Tymal Mills dismissed Farhan (57) as the batsman skied a well-placed delivery, caught by wicket-keeper Azam Khan.
Rassie van der Dussen’s skillful 71* propelled LQ to 195-5, including four 4’s and three 6’s during his 41-ball innings.
In response, IU’s innings began with Alex Hales smashing three boundaries off Zaman Khan’s first over. Colin Munro struggled, scoring 5 off 11 balls before being adjudged leg-before-wicket off Zaman.
Newcomer Jahandad Khan bowled impressively against Alex Hales, introducing slower deliveries within the powerplay.
Post powerplay, Hales departed for 36, caught-and-bowled off Salman Fayyaz at 62-2. IU’s skipper Shadab Khan and Agha Salman then crafted a commendable partnership of 138 runs.
Shadab, dropped twice, finished unbeaten on 74*, while Salman scored 64*. They comfortably chased down the target in the second-last over.
Shadab Khan earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his outstanding all-round performance.