Islamabad United thumped the defending champions Lahore Qalandars by 8 wickets in the opening game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. Chasing 196 runs to register a victory, Islamabad scripted their batting performance according to a plan and reached 200/2 in 18.2 overs.

Shadab Khan, the captain, led from the front, contributing 74 runs off 41 balls, with the help of 6 fours and 5 sixes.

He formed a match-winning partnership with Agha Salman, who struck an unbeaten 64 off 31 balls, laced with 7 tand 3 sixes.

The likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf failed to leave any sort of impact with the ball in the match.

United’s opener Colin Munro managed just 5 but his opening partner Alex Hales slammed big hits. His 36 runs were laced with 5 fours and 1 six.

Earlier, Lahore put up a big total on the board. Sahibzada Farhan (57 runs off 36 balls), Rassie van der Dussen (71 not out off 41 balls) took the total to 195/5 in 20 overs.

Shadab was the most impressive bowler, with only 24 runs coming from his 4 overs. He took 1 wicket as well.