Islamabad United start title defence journey in fine way

By Shafaat Khan
RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United on Friday started their title defence journey in exciting way when they conquered Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in the opening game of the HBL PSL X at the jam-packed Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
United rode on the fine batting contributions from Colin Munro (59 not out) and Salman Ali Agha (41 not out) to achieve the 140-run target in the 18th over after losing two wickets in the process.
Earlier Jason Holder (4-26) and Shadab Khan (3-25) did a terrific job with the leather to fold Qalandars for only 139 with Abdullah Shafique making a significant contribution by scoring a 38-ball 66.
Chasing an easy target United lost US player Andries Gous (4) early when he was bowled by left-arm spinner Asif Afridi in the second over of the innings. However at this stage Sahibzada Farhan and Colin Munro shared 55 runs for the second wicket stand to ensure United’s solid base.
Haris Rauf broke the partnership when he had Farhan held excellently at square leg by Sikandar Raza.
Farhan, who was struggling in the start, did well in the end hammering three sixes in his 24-ball 25.
Agha Salman, Pakistan’s more accomplished batsman, then joined Colin Munro and the duo put Qalandars under pressure with their smart batting display. They shared 80 runs for the third wicket unbroken stand to make United home with an enviable ease in 17.4 overs.
Salman, who was dropped by Haris Rauf off Jahandad Khan earlier on in his innings, smacked three fours and one six in his 34-ball 41 not out.
Colin Munro, who brought in his fifty off 35 balls, smacked one six and seven fours in his 42-ball 59 not out.
Asif Afridi and Haris Rauf got one wicket apiece.
Earlier after being invited to bat first by Shadab Khan Qalandars extended pathetic batting display and were skittled out for a paltry total.
Abdullah Shafique was the only impact player who batted with great authority and hammered 38-ball 66 to prevent his side from utter devastation.
Shafique, who was not in his fine element during Pakistan duty in the last few series, was seen a different batsman, hitting some terrific strokes and single-handedly took Qalandars to a reasonable total in the end.
It was in the 19th over when Naseem Shah dislodged Shafique held in the deep by Colin Munro.
The right-handed batsman hammered three sixes and six fours in his fine fifty.
Sikandar Raza was the only other batsman who showed some guts hammering a 21-ball 23 before being held in the deep by Mohammad Shahzad off Shadab Khan.
The Zimbabwe’s all-rounder hit one six and three fours in brief but good effort.
Earlier Australian pacer Riley Meredith removed Fakhar Zaman (1) who returned after injury. Jason Holder then got rid of Mohammad Naeem (8). Imad Wasim had Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand for a 14-ball 13 before Shadab Khan getting rid of Sam Billings (0) to leave Qalandars reeling at 58-4 in the ninth over.
Shadab then removed Sikandar Raza after he hit some fine strokes. However at this stage it was Holder who got rid of Jahandad Khan (0) and David Wiese (0) off his two successive deliveries to leave Qalandars in deep trouble.
Haris Rauf made a run-a-ball ten with two fours before being removed by Shadab which also ended Qalandars innings.
Jason Holder was the star performer who got 4-26 in four overs. Shadab captured 3-25 in 3.2 overs.