LAHORE: In the thrilling inaugural match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, Lahore Qalandars showcased their batting prowess by setting a challenging target of 196 runs for Islamabad United, powered by Sahibzada Farhan and Rassie van der Dussen’s outstanding batting performance.
Opting to bat first, Lahore Qalandars started their innings with a blazing start, as openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman laid a solid foundation with a brisk partnership. While Farhan took charge of the scoring, accumulating runs at a rapid pace, Zaman contributed a valuable cameo before departing in the seventh over.
Lahore Qalandars Batting Against Islamabad United
Farhan continued his aggressive stroke play, scoring up his maiden PSL half-century in just 29 deliveries, showcasing his ability to find the boundaries with ease. His departure in the 11th over marked a brief slowdown, but Abdullah Shafique and Rassie van der Dussen swiftly regained momentum, forging a crucial partnership to propel Qalandars’ innings.
With Shafique providing crucial support, van der Dussen showcased his batting prowess with a blistering unbeaten knock, anchoring the innings with a fluent 71 off just 41 deliveries. His aggressive stroke play, punctuated with four boundaries and three sixes, bolstered Lahore’s total in the final overs, ensuring a formidable target for Islamabad United.
Despite spirited bowling efforts from Islamabad United, spearheaded by Tymal Mills who claimed two wickets for 45 runs, Lahore Qalandars’ batting onslaught proved too formidable to contain. Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, but Qalandars’ relentless aggression ensured a commanding total at the conclusion of their innings.
