Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen: Shaheen’s side post 200-run target

LAHORE: The Lahore Qalandars posted a 200-run target against the newly entered Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) opener here tonight.

Earlier, the Pakistan Super League opener saw the Lahore Qalandars choose to bat first after winning the toss in the first clash of the PSL against Hyderabad Kingsmen.

Left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashed a brilliant half-century to lead defending champions Lahore Qalandars to a strong total against debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match of PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Lahore got off to a flying start with an 84-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem. The partnership was broken in the ninth over when Hassan Khan dismissed Naeem, who scored 30 off 19 balls, including four fours and a six.

The Qalandars then suffered a mini-collapse, losing two more quick wickets. Abdullah Shafique was run out for just four, while Fakhar, after completing his half-century, was also dismissed by Hassan. Fakhar top-scored with 53 off 39 deliveries, hitting nine fours.

After the setbacks, Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon steadied the innings with a 37-run partnership before Emon was dismissed for 14 in the 16th over.

Haseebullah then accelerated alongside Sikandar Raza, adding 45 runs in quick time. Raza contributed a rapid 24 off 10 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

Haseebullah remained unbeaten on 40 from 28 balls, while Asif Ali (9) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (unbeaten 12) added useful runs in the final overs to push the total close to 200.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Riley Meredith and Hassan Khan took two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali chipped in with one.