Lahore Qalandars sent loud warning to rest of the league as they are ready to defend their crown. PSL 11 action starts with outclass performance of Defending champions Lahore Qalandars who thumped debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
Qalandars started with a sparkling half-century from Fakhar Zaman, who set the tone for the Qalandars’ innings. Opting to bat first, the three-time champions overcame an early wobble to post a massive 199/6 in 20 overs. Openers Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem tore the field apart with an 84-run partnership, before Naeem fell for a brisk 30 off 19 balls, caught at long-on by Rizwan Mehmood off Hassan Khan. Fakhar carried on in style, finishing with 53 off just 39 deliveries, smashing nine fours along the way.
But the fireworks didn’t stop there! Middle-order duo Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon added a crucial 37-run partnership, followed by a rapid 45-run stand between Haseebullah and all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who blitzed 24 runs off 10 balls, including two massive sixes! The Qalandars’ lower order chipped in as well, with Asif Ali scoring 9 and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi unbeaten on 12 to guide their team to a challenging total.
Chasing 200 on their PSL debut proved too steep for the Kingsmen. Despite their best efforts, they were bowled out for 130 in 20 overs. Captain Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with a cautious 26 off 22 balls, while Riley Meredith resisted at the tail, remaining unbeaten on 19 from 25 deliveries. Only three others—Saim Ayub (17), Hammad Azam, and Mohammad Ali (10 each)—managed double figures.
Qalandars’ bowlers then unleashed their full fury. Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, and Ubaid Shah grabbed two wickets each, with Mustafizur Rahman and Shaheen Shah Afridi chipping in with one each, ensuring the Kingsmen never got close to the target. Meredith and Hassan Khan also had their moments, picking up two wickets apiece, while Mohammad Ali took one.
Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen
Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Naeem, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Parvez Hossain Emon, Haseebullah Khan, Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah
Hyderabad Kingsmen: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Kusal Perera, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Rizwan Mehmood, Hassan Khan, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed
The clash is historic as Hyderabad Kingsmen make their PSL debut, going head-to-head with the battle-hardened Qalandars. With no past head-to-head record, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the newcomers aiming to make a mark.
Qalandars are riding a wave of confidence, boasting a four-match winning streak, including a thrilling six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 10 final. Meanwhile, the Kingsmen are stepping into the PSL spotlight for the very first time, hungry to announce themselves on the grand stage.
Recent Results – Lahore Qalandars: W, W, W, W, L
This opener promises fireworks, fierce rivalries, and cricket at its finest. PSL fans, fasten your seatbelts – the battle is about to begin!
