Defending champions Islamabad United launched their PSL 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, cruising to an eight-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener. The victory was built on a clinical all-round effort, highlighted by Jason Holder’s superb 4 for 26 and Colin Munro’s composed 59* off 42 deliveries.
Chasing a modest target of 140, United barely broke a sweat. Munro anchored the innings with calm authority, while Agha Salman chipped in with a fluent 41* to see the side home with 14 balls remaining. The result made light of what could have been a nervy chase on a pitch that offered a bit to the bowlers.
After opting to bowl first, Islamabad’s bowlers set the tone early. Lahore never found momentum, despite a spirited effort from Abdullah Shafique, who struck a classy 66 off 38 balls. His knock stood out for its elegance and intent, featuring precise footwork against the spinners and a particularly eye-catching six over Imad Wasim’s head.
However, Shafique received little support. Fakhar Zaman was undone by a short delivery from Riley Meredith, while Shadab Khan and Imad kept things tight in the middle overs, combining to remove Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings in quick succession.
Sikandar Raza briefly partnered with Shafique in a 35-run stand, but once Holder returned for his second spell, the innings unraveled. He struck twice in two balls to remove Jahandad Khan and David Wiese, before adding the scalp of Shaheen Afridi to complete a game-changing spell. Shafique fell as the ninth man out, and Shadab cleaned up the tail with his third wicket, bundling Qalandars out for 139 with four balls to spare.
With the bat, Islamabad showed the composure of champions, and with this comprehensive win, they've laid down an early marker in their quest to retain the PSL crown.
