Lahore Qalandars crush PSL debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen in season opener

LAHORE: The defending champions Lahore Qalandars made a statement in the opening match of PSL 11, dismantling debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Qalandars posted a formidable 199/6 in their 20 overs. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem gave the champions a flying start with an 84-run partnership.

Fakhar, in particular, stood out with a classy 53 off 39 balls, featuring nine boundaries, while Naeem contributed 30 from 19 deliveries.

Despite early middle-order wickets, contributions from Haseebullah Khan, Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi helped Qalandars reach a challenging total for the newcomers.

Chasing 200 in their maiden PSL appearance, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure. Captain Marnus Labuschagne was the top-scorer with a cautious 26 off 22 balls, while Riley Meredith showed grit with an unbeaten 19.

Only a handful of batters managed double figures, highlighting the gulf in experience between the sides.

Qalandars’ bowlers ensured there was no chance of a Hyderabad revival. Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza, and Ubaid Shah picked up two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman and Afridi took one apiece, wrapping up the Kingsmen for 130 in 20 overs.

The comprehensive win sends a clear message: Qalandars are ready to defend their PSL title, while the Hyderabad Kingsmen have plenty to learn from their debut outing.