![ISL vs LAH Highlights [Source: @IF7____/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1744397946219_ISLvsLAHhighlights.jpg?type=tq)
ISL vs LAH Highlights [Source: @IF7____/x.com]
Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalandars by 8 wickets in the opening clash of PSL 2025 at Rawalpindi, chasing down 140 with 14 balls to spare. It was a clinical show from the United camp, who first kept Lahore to a below-par total thanks to a top-drawer bowling effort and then wrapped up the chase with minimum fuss, riding on a solid partnership between Colin Munro and Agha Salman.
For Lahore, apart from Abdullah Shafique’s fighting fifty, there was little to cheer about as their campaign got off to a shaky start.
Here’s the timeline of how ISL vs LAH panned out in Rawalpindi:
Nightmare Start For Qalandars
After being invited to bat first, Lahore Qalandars were off to an absolute horror show. Fakhar Zaman departed for just 1. Muhammad Naeem followed soon after, struggling to get going. By the time Sam Billings walked back for a duck, the Qalandars were staring down the barrel at 30 for 4 inside 9 overs.
Abdullah Shafique Fights A Lone Battle
With the top order gone and pressure mounting, Abdullah Shafique stepped up like a man on a mission. He counter-attacked with flair and composure as he smashed 66 off 38 deliveries at a blazing strike rate of 173.68.
He peppered the fence with 6 boundaries and 3 maximums and kept the Qalandars in the game almost single-handedly. But with no solid support from the other end, his valiant effort was a one-man army trying to win a war.
Holder And Shadab Seal The Collapse
Once Shafique fell in the 19th over, the wheels came off completely. Jason Holder was breathing fire, picking up 4 wickets and wiping out the lower order. Shadab Khan chipped in with 3 scalps.
Lahore’s innings went from bad to worse, collapsing from 93/4 to 139 all out, with 6 wickets falling for just 46 runs. The tail folded without resistance, and despite 14 extras boosting the total, the Qalandars finished well below par in just 19.2 overs.
Early Jitters As Gous, Farhan Depart Quickly
Chasing a modest 140, Islamabad United had a shaky start, losing Andries Gous for 4 in just the second over. Sahibzada Farhan tried to settle things down but wasn’t in full control either. His 25 off 24, peppered with 3 sixes, was scratchy but did the job of soaking up the new ball pressure.
When Haris Rauf sent him packing at 63/2 in the 9th over, the match looked like it could go either way. But despite the early hiccups, Islamabad didn’t press the panic button. They played it smart, no unnecessary risks, just good old-fashioned strike rotation and boundary picking.
Munro And Agha Slam The Door Shut
Enter Colin Munro and Salman Agha and from there on, it was a cruise control chase. Munro looked in sublime touch scoring a classy 59* off 42 balls with 7 fours and a six, anchoring the innings like a pro. At the other end, Agha Salman chipped in with a calm and composed 41 off 34*.
The pair stitched together an unbeaten 80-run stand, putting the game to bed with 14 balls to spare. Lahore’s bowlers had no answers as Shaheen went wicketless, Rauf’s pace was tame and Wiese’s over went for 17 in his one. Only Asif Afridi stood out with his miserly 1/15 in 4 overs.
Islamabad United crossed the finish line with 8 wickets in hand and made a mockery of what once looked like a defendable total.
 "Jatin")
