Lahore Qalandars Dominate Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 11 Opener
Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen produced a dominant start to PSL 11 as the defending champions secured a commanding 69-run victory in the tournament opener at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Fakhar Zaman’s half-century, followed by a disciplined all-round bowling effort, ensured Lahore Qalandars outclassed debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen in the curtain raiser.
Qalandars post strong total
After being put in to bat, Lahore Qalandars posted 199 for 6 in their 20 overs despite a brief collapse in the middle.
The innings was built on a strong opening stand, with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem adding 84 runs. Naeem scored 30 off 19 balls, hitting four fours and a six, before being dismissed by Hassan Khan, caught by Rizwan Mehmood at long-on.
The momentum slowed as Abdullah Shafique was run out for four, while Fakhar Zaman fell soon after reaching his half-century. He top-scored with 53 off 39 balls, including nine fours.
Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon then steadied the innings with a 37-run partnership. Emon made 14 before falling in the 16th over.
Haseebullah remained unbeaten on 40 off 28 balls and added a quick 45-run stand with Sikandar Raza, who struck 24 off just 10 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.
Late contributions from Asif Ali (9) and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (12 not out) helped push the total to 199.
For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Riley Meredith and Hassan Khan took two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali claimed one.
Kingsmen struggle in chase
Chasing a target of 200 in their maiden PSL appearance, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 130 in 20 overs.
Captain Marnus Labuschagne was the top-scorer with 26 off 22 balls. Riley Meredith added an unbeaten 19 off 25 deliveries.
Saim Ayub (17), Hammad Azam (10) and Mohammad Ali (10) were the only other batters to reach double figures.
The chase never gained momentum against a well-organised Qalandars bowling attack.
Bowlers seal convincing win
Lahore’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza and Ubaid Shah picking up two wickets each.
Mustafizur Rahman and Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with one wicket apiece as the Kingsmen were dismissed well short of the target.
What this result means
This comprehensive win gives Lahore Qalandars a strong start to their PSL 11 campaign as they look to defend their title.
For Hyderabad Kingsmen, the defeat highlights the challenges of their debut season, with both batting and bowling units needing improvement as the tournament progresses.
Also check out:
PSL 11 Broadcast Enhancements Announced for New Season
Source:
Post Comment