Islamabad, March 6, 2024 – In a thrilling encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore Qalandars emerged victorious against Islamabad United by 17 runs in the highly anticipated Match 23 of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Lahore Qalandars faced a challenging task against Islamabad United’s bowling attack. The Qalandars posted a competitive total of 162 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Rassie van der Dussen showcased exceptional batting prowess for Lahore Qalandars, contributing a vital 64 runs off just 44 balls. Shaheen Afridi and David Wiese played crucial supporting roles, adding 30 runs and an unbeaten 24 runs, respectively. The Islamabad United bowlers faced a tough challenge, with Rumman Raees being the standout performer, claiming two wickets for 19 runs in three overs. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim each contributed with one wicket.
In the pursuit of a target of 163 runs, Islamabad United faltered under the pressure imposed by Lahore Qalandars’ bowling attack. The United managed to score 145 runs but lost all 10 wickets in 18.5 overs, falling short of the required total.
Faheem Ashraf provided some resistance for Islamabad United with an unbeaten 41 runs off 31 balls. Azam Khan and Naseem Shah also contributed with 29 runs and 27 runs, respectively. However, Lahore Qalandars’ bowlers proved to be the difference-makers, led by Zaman Khan’s stellar performance. Khan claimed four wickets for 37 runs in 3.5 overs, putting immense pressure on the Islamabad United batting lineup. Shaheen Afridi supported with two crucial wickets for 32 runs in four overs, while Jahandad Khan chipped in with one wicket for 15 runs in two overs.
Rassie van der Dussen of Lahore Qalandars named player of the match for contributing a vital 64 runs off just 44 balls.
The Lahore Qalandars’ victory highlighted their well-rounded performance, combining solid batting and disciplined bowling to secure a crucial win in the PSL 9 campaign. With this result, Lahore Qalandars continue to strengthen their position in the tournament, while Islamabad United will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
The PSL 9 encounter between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United not only showcased the fierce competition within the league but also provided cricket enthusiasts with an exciting display of talent and skill. As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more thrilling clashes and standout performances from the participating teams in the race for the coveted PSL trophy.
