Shadab-Agha Lead United's Stunning Victory Over Lahore Qalandars

Muhammad Waqas 

Lahore Qalandars: 195/5 (20) | Der Dussen 71*(41) | T Mills, 2/45 (4)

Islamabad United: 200/2 (18.2) | Shadab 74*(41) | Fayyaz, 1/23 (2.2)

Shadab Khan and Agha Salman’s unbeaten 138-run partnership guided United to the victory. 

Against the backdrop of an electrifying opening ceremony at the Gaddafi Stadium, The Pakistan Super League Season 9 kicked off with a burst of energy and excitement.  The defending champions clashed with Islamabad United in the PSL opener. Islamabad boasting a strong line-up on the paper, while the Qalandars facing the challenges with key players missing from the roster.

Shadab khan and Agha Salman combined unbeaten 138 runs  

Islamabad United started their chase with a mix of caution and aggression. Despite an early wicket loss, courtesy of Zaman Khan ‘s crucial breakthrough dismissing Colin Munro, Islamabad’s top order remained composed. Alex hales attacked the opposition with some well-timed boundaries, but Qalandars’ bowler maintained the pressure with disciplined line and lengths.

The introduction of debutant leg-break Salman Fayyaz proved to be a masterstroke for Lahore. Fayyaz struck in the second ball of his spell to dismiss Hales, tilting the momentum in his team’s favor. Captain Shadab Khan, who had already made his mark with the ball earlier, and promoted himself to the No.3, started a counterattack. Agha Salman made a great comeback to the PSL and was even more destructive at the other end. With the required run rate climbing above 10, both exhibited nerves of steel. However, on such a crucial stage, Lahore Qalandars missed a couple of run out opportunities and drop catches. Shadab’s unbeaten 74 off 41 deliveries and Salman’s blistering 64 not out off 31balls drove Islamabad United to a commanding triumph.     

In the 18^th over, the skipper Shadab Khan sealed the win in a style launching a six over long on to Fayyaz. United won by 8 wickets with 10 balls to spare.

In the first innings, Lahore Qalandars approached the game with a surprised strategy with a bowling-heavy playing XI. However, they successfully put a big total on the board. The Qalandars showcased their intent right from the outset. Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive stoke play laid a solid foundation, propelling Lahore to 67 runs without loss in the powerplay. However, Islamabad United struck back, with the skipper claiming the crucial wicket of Fakhar Zaman.

The dismissal injected life into Islamabad ‘s bowling attack and subsequently Mills removed the dangerous Farhan after 57 off 36 deliveries. Despite the dismissals, Lahore’s middle order led by Rassie Van Der Dussen rose to the occasion. Dussen’s magnificent knock of 71 runs off 41, supported by contributions from Abdullah Shafique and David Weise, drove Qalandars to a total of 195/5 in the 20 overs.

For Islamabad, Shadab Khan conceded 24/1 in his four-over spell, while Mills took two wickets with an expensive spell, conceding 45 runs. 

Turning Point

The turning point of the match came when Lahore Qalandars missed a big chance to break the partnership. In the 14^th over, Sahibzada Farhan dropped the catch of Shadab at fine-leg when he was batting at 42 off 26. After the dropped catch, Shadab scored 32 runs in just 15 balls, and further swung the momentum in Islamabad’s favor.