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February 17, 2024
Lahore, 17 February 2024: Islamabad United (IU) secured an impressive eight-wicket victory over defending champions Lahore Qalandars (LQ) in the opening match of HBL Pakistan Super League 9 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday night. Shadab Khan led IU with an unbeaten 74, forming a crucial 138-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha (64 not out off 31 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes) for the third wicket. This dominant performance helped IU chase down the 196-run target with ease.
United started confidently in the IU vs LQ showdown, scoring 50 runs in the powerplay while only losing Colin Munro (5 off 11 balls). Skipper Shadab Khan then took charge, coming in to bat at number three and immediately attacking Haris Rauf with two boundaries, keeping the pressure on the LQ bowlers.
Shadab’s composed knock and Salman’s aggressive approach ensured that United never lost momentum as the IU vs LQ contest progressed. Their unbeaten stand guided IU to a commanding win, setting a solid tone for the rest of the tournament.
At the halfway point of the IU vs LQ match, Islamabad United (IU) stood at 88 for two, needing 108 more runs from the final 10 overs. In the 11th over of the chase, IU batters gained momentum by taking 14 runs off Haris Rauf’s second over, keeping the pressure on Lahore Qalandars (LQ).
With 44 runs required from five overs in the IU vs LQ clash, the 16th over saw United collect 12 runs, followed by 14 more in the 17th, where Shadab Khan blasted Haris for two huge sixes, bringing IU closer to victory.
The 18th over, bowled by LQ captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, proved costly as Salman Ali Agha smashed a four and a six, adding 15 crucial runs for IU. This expensive over was pivotal in sealing United’s dominant performance in the IU vs LQ encounter.
With just three runs needed off the final two overs in the IU vs LQ match, Shadab Khan sealed the victory for Islamabad United (IU) with a mighty six over long-on, leading his team to win with 10 balls to spare. He finished the game unbeaten on 74 off 41 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes. In comparison, Salman Ali Agha contributed with 64 not out off 31 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.
Earlier in the IU vs LQ encounter, Lahore Qalandars (LQ) had a strong start after being put in to bat first, with the opening duo of Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman putting together 66 runs during the powerplay. However, the partnership was broken by Shadab, who claimed the vital wicket of Fakhar (13 off 13 balls, 1 four) in the seventh over, leaving LQ with 67 runs on the board.
Shadab’s exceptional performance with bat and ball was instrumental in IU’s success during the IU vs LQ clash. It demonstrated his all-around capabilities and leadership in securing the victory for his team.
Right-hand batter Sahibzada Farhan was joined by Rassie van der Dussen in the IU vs LQ match. Still, the duo could only add 22 runs to the total before Sahibzada fell to left-arm pacer Tymal Mills in the 11th over, scoring 57 off 36 balls with 8 fours and 1 six.
Abdullah Shafique then came in at number four. He made an impact with three towering sixes, accumulating 28 runs off 22 balls during his time at the crease. The Lahore Qalandars (LQ) were able to post a competitive total of 195 for five in their 20 overs, largely thanks to van der Dussen’s impressive unbeaten knock of 71 off 41 balls, which featured four fours and three sixes.
Notably, van der Dussen, who previously played for Islamabad United (IU) in the last edition of HBL PSL, achieved his maiden HBL PSL half-century in this game, reaching the milestone off just 31 balls. His performance was crucial for LQ in the ongoing IU vs LQ contest, setting a challenging target for United to chase.
For Islamabad United (IU) in the IU vs LQ match, Naseem Shah returned to competitive cricket after a six-month hiatus, finishing with 4 overs, 36 runs, and 1 wicket. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan, also coming back from injury, bowled four overs, conceding 24 runs while claiming a single wicket during the game.
Mills emerged as the most successful bowler for IU, taking two wickets for 45 runs in his four overs. His performance was pivotal in the ongoing IU vs LQ clash, helping to limit the Qalandars’ scoring.
Overall, United’s bowling unit showed promise as they faced off against LQ, with players like Naseem and Shadab keen to make an impact after their respective injuries in the IU vs LQ contest.
Lahore Qalandars scored 195 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Rassie van der Dussen was the standout performer, remaining unbeaten with 71 runs. Sahibzada Farhan contributed 57 runs, and Abdullah Shafique added 28 runs. For Islamabad United, Tymal Mills took 2 wickets for 45 runs, and Shadab Khan claimed 1 wicket for just 24 runs.
In response, Islamabad United chased the target, finishing at 200 runs for 2 wickets in 18.2 overs. Shadab Khan played a crucial role, scoring 74 not out, while Salman Ali Agha supported him with 64 not out. Alex Hales chipped in with 36 runs, and Salman Fayyaz from Lahore took 1 wicket for 23 runs.
Shadab Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Tomorrow’s fixtures feature Quetta Gladiators facing Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, at 2 PM, followed by Multan Sultans taking on Karachi Kings at Multan Cricket Stadium at 7 PM.
Islamabad United beat Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets.
Lahore Qalandars scored 195 runs for 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Rassie van der Dussen led the team with an unbeaten 71 runs, supported by Sahibzada Farhan with 57 runs and Abdullah Shafique with 28 runs. Tymal Mills was the standout bowler for Islamabad United, taking 2 wickets for 45 runs. At the same time, Shadab Khan contributed with 1 wicket for just 24 runs.
In reply, Islamabad United successfully chased the target, finishing at 200 runs for 2 wickets in 18.2 overs. Shadab Khan played a key role, scoring 74 not out, while Salman Ali Agha remained unbeaten with 64 runs. Alex Hales added 36 runs, and Salman Fayyaz took 1 wicket for 23 runs for Lahore.
Shadab Khan was awarded Player of the Match for his excellent performance. Tomorrow’s matches include Quetta Gladiators against Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, at 2 PM, and Multan Sultans facing Karachi Kings at Multan Cricket Stadium at 7 PM.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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