Lahore: In the opening match of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalandars by 8 wickets.
Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and invited Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi to bat at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Playing first, Lahore Qalandars scored 195 runs for 5 wickets in the allotted 20 overs, in response Islamabad United achieved the target in the 19th over with the loss of 2 wickets.
Agha Salman and Shadab Khan gave excellent batting performance for Islamabad United and helped their win the match with eight wickets.
Shadab emerged as the top scorer with 74 runs, which he gathered from 41 balls that included six boundaries and five maximums. He was ably assisted by Salman Agha, who’s impressive 31-ball 64 runs knock included seven fours and three sixes.
Other key contributors from the winning side were Alex Hales (36 runs) and Extras (21 runs) as the United made a splendid start in the marquee event.
Only Zaman Khan and Salman Fayyaz could take one wicket to each for Qalandars.
The 9th edition of Pakistan Super League started with a colorful ceremony.
The opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League was held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, in which Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar and Natasha Baig and other artists performed their art.
