By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: Islamabad United delivered a commanding all-round performance to inflict a crushing nine-wicket defeat on Lahore Qalandars in their HBL PSL 11 game at the National Stadium on Thursday.
After a disciplined bowling effort led by Chris Green, who captured 3-19, United made light work of a modest 101-run target, racing to 104-1 in just 10.2 overs.
Opting to field first, United’s bowlers struck early and never allowed Qalandars to settle. Imad Wasim removed both Mohammad Naeem and Abdullah Shafique cheaply to leave Qalandars reeling at 27-2.
A brief resistance came from Sikandar Raza, who top-scored with 25 off 19 balls, striking three fours, and Haseebullah Khan, who made 19. However, regular wickets stalled any momentum.
Green turned the screws in the middle overs, removing Haseebullah, Raza and Ryan Burl, while Shadab Khan chipped in with two wickets. Qalandars slipped from 72-4 to 100 all out in 18.3 overs.
Their innings featured just seven fours and two sixes, reflecting the pressure exerted by United’s attack. No partnership crossed 35 runs, with the best being the 31-run stand between Raza and Haseebullah.
In reply, Devon Conway produced a classy unbeaten 59 off 35 balls, anchoring the chase with authority. His innings included seven fours and three sixes as he dominated the Qalandars bowlers from the outset.
After Sameer Minhas fell early for five, Conway stitched an unbroken 93-run second-wicket partnership with Mohammad Faiq, who contributed a brisk 34 off 19 balls, hitting six fours.
United surged to 51-1 in the powerplay, effectively killing the contest inside the first six overs. Conway brought up his fifty off 34 balls, maintaining a strike rate above 160 throughout.
Qalandars’ bowlers struggled for control, with Sikandar Raza conceding 33 runs in two overs and failing to break the partnership.
The emphatic win enabled United to move to second spot with seven points from five matches, just behind Multan Sultans who are at the summit with eight points from five matches.
This is the second loss for Qalandars and they have four points from as many matches.
Green was named player of the match for his decisive spell, which set up the victory.
Summarised scores
Lahore Qalandars 100 all out (18.3 overs)
Sikandar Raza 25 (19), Haseebullah Khan 19 (22), Chris Green 3-19, Imad Wasim 2-13, Shadab Khan 2-18
Fours: 7 Sixes: 2
Islamabad United 104-1 (10.2 overs)
Devon Conway 59* (35), Mohammad Faiq 34* (19), Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-22,
Result: Islamabad United won by nine wickets (with 58 balls remaining)
Chris Green: Player of the Match
