Defending champions Islamabad United kicked off their HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 campaign in style, crushing two-time winners Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in the opening match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Chasing a modest target of 140, United overcame a shaky start after USA's Andries Gous was bowled by 38-year-old Asif Afridi. However, Sahibzada Farhan and New Zealand's Colin Munro steadied the ship with a 55-run partnership.
Farhan, who initially looked unsettled, chipped in with a handy 25 off 24 balls. United chased down the target in the 18th over with eight wickets in hand. Munro remained dominant throughout the match with his 59-run knock off 42 balls. Salman Ali Agha provided solid support with an unbeaten 41 off 34.
Earlier, United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and put Qalandars in to bat. The decision served the United well as the Qalandars were bowled out for 139 runs in 19.2 overs. Abdullah Shafiq scored 66 runs off 38 balls with the help of 6 fours and 3 sixes, while Sikander Raza scored 23 runs off 21 balls.
United's Jason Holder and Shadab took 4 and 3 wickets, respectively, while Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim and Riley Meredith shared one wicket each. In reply, Islamabad United scored 143 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 17.4 overs. For Qalandars, Haris Rauf and Asif Afridi took one wicket each.
Holder of Islamabad United was declared player of the match for his brilliant bowling. The second match of the tournament will be played between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators at the same ground at 2 pm Saturday (today).
The match followed a glittering opening ceremony, including headline performances by Abida Parveen, Abrar ul Haq, Ali Zafar, Natasha Baig and others, that culminated in a spectacular display of firework over the city's skies.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electrified by a vibrant crowd. The ceremony started with children clad in white and green suits, singing Pakistan's national anthem, as the franchise owners gathered on the stage alongside the coveted PSL trophy.
The event seamlessly transitioned into a soulful display of Sufism, with renowned artist Abida Parveen delivering a captivating performance, while dancers performed traditional moves.
Later, the Young Stunners lit up the stage with a high-octane performance, dropping beats that had the crowd on their feet. The energy soared as Ali Zafar took over in his signature style. Natasha Baig and Abrarul Haq also performed the HBL PSL X anthem.
Over the next five weeks, six teams will battle for a $500,000 prize for the winners, while the runners-up will receive $200,000. The HBL-PSL matches will be played in Rawalpindi for the first time, while Lahore, Multan and Karachi will also host key encounters.
Lahore's newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the Qualifier, Eliminator, and the May 18 final. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is set to stage 11 matches, while Multan and Karachi stadiums will each feature five games during the season.
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