Islamabad United roar into PSL X, dismantling Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets

Amid a dazzling spectacle of fireworks, laser lights, and a gravity-defying flying man who delivered the toss coin in cinematic fashion, United brought the same flair to the field

Islamabad United kicked off their Pakistan Super League title defence in style, cruising past Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in the opening match of PSL Season 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.

After opting to bat first, Qalandars batters struggled to get going and they could only manage to set a 139-run target, which United chased down easily in 17.4 overs.

The evening began with a spectacle befitting the league's milestone season. A jam-packed stadium buzzed with energy as fans witnessed a breathtaking opening ceremony, complete with electric fireworks, synchronised laser displays, and a futuristic flying man who descended dramatically, setting the tone for a high-octane tournament ahead. PSL Season 10 is officially underway - and if the opening night was anything to go by, fans are in for a thrilling ride.

After the opening ceremony, the anticipation was palpable as both teams took to the field, ready to do battle in the first clash of the campaign.

The Qalandars batters got off to a decent start, reaching 58-0 after eight overs. However, they lost four wickets in the ninth over to completely derail their innings.

Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and decided to bat first. However, his team's innings never truly got going, and they were bowled out for 139 in the final over.

Only Abdullah Shafique managed to put up a decent score, smashing 66 off 38, including six boundaries and three sixes.

The rest of the batting lineup crumbled under pressure, as United's bowlers tore through with precision and aggression.

Shadab Khan (3-25) led the bowling charge, choking the top order with clever variations, while Jason Holder cleaned up the tail with a devastating spell of 4-26.

Together, they orchestrated a bowling masterclass that left Lahore reeling at 58-4 by the ninth over - a blow from which they never recovered.

In response, Islamabad United chased down the target with effortless confidence. Colin Munro smashed an unbeaten 59, while Agha Salman played the perfect supporting role with a composed 41 not out.

Their unbroken 80-run partnership sealed the victory in just 17.4 overs, showcasing United's depth and composure.

Despite the defeat, Lahore's Asif Afridi (1-15) was a rare bright spot, applying some pressure in the middle overs.

"It is just the beginning of a long journey. Hopefully, we will address the flaws that were exposed today," said a hopeful Afridi.

Beaming United's captain Shadab said that it was a good start. "Hopefully, we would carry this form further into the competition."

Earlier, the evening began with a spectacle befitting the league's milestone season. A jam-packed stadium buzzed with energy as fans witnessed a breathtaking opening ceremony, complete with electric fireworks, synchronised laser displays, and a futuristic flying man who delivered the toss coin in cinematic fashion, setting the tone for a high-octane tournament ahead.

PSL Season X is officially underway - and if the opening night was anything to go by, viewers are in for a thrilling ride.