Rassie van der Dussen's brilliance with the bat | © PSL (PCB)
In a sensational showdown at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore Qalandars secured their first win of HBL PSL 9 in a thrilling encounter against Islamabad United. The clash featured breathtaking performances, with Rassie van der Dussen’s explosive batting and Lahore’s formidable bowling unit proving too much for the home side.
Batting Brilliance by Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars faced a challenging task after being put into bat, but Rassie van der Dussen’s exceptional innings played a pivotal role in setting a competitive total. Despite early setbacks, including the quick departures of Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi stepped up with a quickfire 30 off 14 balls. The highlight was Shaheen’s impressive six-hitting display against Salman Ali Agha. Van der Dussen’s outstanding knock of 64 runs off 44 balls, featuring four boundaries and four sixes, powered Lahore Qalandars to a commendable total of 162-7.
Bowling Blitz by Lahore Qalandars
Lahore’s bowling unit, led by Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, displayed exceptional prowess as they dismantled Islamabad United’s top order. The powerplay overs proved to be a nightmare for United, losing five wickets, including the prized scalp of Alex Hales, who fell victim to Shaheen’s opening over brilliance. Fakhar Zaman’s lethal yorker accounted for Shadab Khan, adding to the early pressure. Jahandad’s brilliant catch while running back to long-on dismissed Hales, setting the tone for Lahore’s dominant bowling display.
Middle-Order Struggle for Islamabad United
As the powerplay concluded, Islamabad United found themselves in dire straits at 39-6 in 7 overs, courtesy of Lahore’s relentless bowling attack. Jahandad continued his impactful performance, contributing with both bat and ball, taking a caught and bowled to dismiss Jordan Cox. Despite a resilient 35-run partnership between Faheem Ashraf and Azam Khan, Lahore’s bowlers maintained control, with Ahsan and Zaman picking up crucial wickets.
Faheem Ashraf’s Lone Battle
Faheem Ashraf emerged as Islamabad United’s beacon of hope in the face of adversity. His unbeaten knock of 41 runs off 31 balls showcased determination and skill, featuring four boundaries and a six. However, with wickets falling around him, Faheem found little support, and Islamabad United was eventually bowled out for 145 in 18.5 overs.
Zaman’s Four-Wicket Haul
Fakhar Zaman’s exceptional bowling performance was a highlight for Lahore Qalandars as he claimed four crucial wickets, applying consistent pressure on Islamabad United. Shaheen Shah Afridi supported with two key wickets, while Ahsan, Jahandad, and David Weise chipped in with one wicket each. Shaheen’s milestone 100th HBL PSL wicket, achieved by dismissing Naseem Shah, added to the significance of Lahore’s triumph.
Lahore Qalandars emerged victorious by 17 runs in a match full of ups and downs, showcasing their resilience and determination. Rassie van der Dussen’s brilliance with the bat and Lahore’s collective bowling efforts made this encounter memorable. As HBL PSL 9 unfolds, Lahore Qalandars will look to build on this momentum, while Islamabad United aims to bounce back from this challenging defeat. Rassie van der Dussen’s impactful performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, leaving fans anticipating more thrilling clashes in the tournament.
