WEB DESK: In start of tenth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL), Islamabad United set the stage alight by delivering a commanding performance against the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars.
In the opening match, Islamabad United wasted no time making a statement by defeating the defending champions, Lahore Qalandars. Led by Shadab Khan, United’s bowling attack was relentless, preventing Qalandars from finding their rhythm. This victory handed Islamabad their first two points of the tournament and set an optimistic tone for their campaign.
The second fixture witnessed a dominant display by the Quetta Gladiators, as they convincingly overpowered Peshawar Zalmi. Batting first, Quetta showcased their batting prowess by posting an imposing total of 216. In response, Zalmi faltered, managing only 136 runs before being All out in the 16th over, marking a tough start for the 2017 champions.
Karachi Kings made an electrifying debut in the third match, clinching a narrow victory over Multan Sultans in what has been hailed as the match of the tournament thus far. Chasing a formidable total of 235, the Kings exhibited resilience and skill, led by David Warner’s inspiring leadership. This win announced the arrival of the revamped Karachi team onto the PSL X stage.
The fourth fixture saw Lahore Qalandars bouncing back in style. Despite their earlier loss, Shaheen Afridi’s boys showed their potential by convincingly defeating the Gladiators. With contributions from their entire squad, particularly Fakhar Zaman, the Qalandars demonstrated that they are still strong contenders as they leveled their record at one win and one loss.
In the fifth match, Islamabad United continued their formidable run by handily defeating Peshawar Zalmi for the second time. With the top-order batsmen firing on all cylinders, and a disciplined bowling display, Islamabad solidified their place at the top of the table. Sahibzada Farhan, a significant signing this season, stole the show with a breathtaking century, contributing greatly to United’s high net run rate of 3.248.
As Week Two approaches, Islamabad United has asserted early dominance, while Peshawar Zalmi finds themselves in urgent need of a turnaround. Meanwhile, Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, and Lahore Qalandars have each showcased flashes of brilliance, making it clear that the competition is still wide open. With teams looking to find their rhythm, fans can look forward to an exciting continuation of the tournament.
