KARACHI, April 9 – Islamabad United cruised to a comprehensive victory over defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League season 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 101, Islamabad United reached 102-1 in just 10.5 overs, powered by an unbeaten half-century from Devon Conway, who anchored the innings with a fluent 59 off 35 balls.
United made a cautious start, losing opener Sameer Minhas early for five, dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the third over. However, Conway steadied the chase alongside Mohammad Faiq as the pair stitched together a match-winning partnership.
The duo guided Islamabad past the 50-run mark inside six overs, rotating the strike effectively while punishing loose deliveries. Conway, in particular, dominated the Lahore bowling attack, striking seven fours and three sixes to register his maiden PSL fifty. Faiq provided solid support with a brisk 34 off 19 balls, including six boundaries, ensuring a comfortable finish.
Earlier, Lahore Qalandars struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 100 in 18.3 overs against a disciplined Islamabad bowling unit.
The innings got off to a disastrous start when Imad Wasim dismissed Mohammad Naeem for a first-ball duck. A brief recovery came through a 26-run stand between Haseebullah Khan and Abdullah Shafique, but Islamabad’s bowlers maintained pressure with regular breakthroughs.
Imad struck again to remove Shafique, while Chris Green and captain Shadab Khan tightened the grip during the middle overs. Green bowled Haseebullah for 19, and Shadab dismissed Rubin Hermann soon after, leaving Lahore reeling at 41-4.
A 31-run partnership between Asif Ali and Sikandar Raza offered some resistance, but Shadab broke the stand by removing Asif. Raza top-scored for Lahore with 25 off 19 balls before falling to Green, who delivered an impressive spell.
Lower-order contributions from Shaheen Afridi were not enough as wickets continued to tumble. Richard Gleeson picked up two wickets, while Imad and Shadab also claimed two each. Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one dismissal.
Green was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-19 in four overs, playing a key role in restricting Lahore to a below-par total.
The emphatic win boosts Islamabad United’s position in the PSL standings, while Lahore Qalandars face mounting pressure to revive their title defense.