Holder Shines on PSL Debut as Islamabad United Thrash Lahore Qalandars

Caribbean pacer Jason Holder made a dream debut in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), picking up four wickets to lead defending champions Islamabad United to an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Rishad Hossain’s Lahore Qalandars in the tournament opener on Friday. The match was held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, Lahore were bowled out for 139 in 19.2 overs. Abdullah Shafique was the lone standout with the bat, scoring a fluent 66 off 38 balls. Sikandar Raza contributed 23, while Daryl Mitchell and Haris Rauf added 13 and 10 runs respectively.

Lahore’s innings collapsed rapidly, losing five wickets for just 93 runs by the 14th over. Although Shafique and Raza added 35 runs for the fifth wicket, the partnership was broken by disciplined bowling from Holder and skipper Shadab Khan. Holder finished with brilliant figures of 4 for 26, while Shadab claimed 3 for 25 in 3.2 overs.

In response, Islamabad chased down the 140-run target with ease, reaching the mark with 14 balls to spare. They lost opener Andries Gous early for 11, but a steady 55-run stand between Colin Munro and Sahibzada Farhan set the platform for victory. Farhan departed after scoring 25 off 24 balls, but Munro and Salman Ali Agha guided the team home comfortably.

Munro remained unbeaten on 59 off 42 balls, laced with 7 fours and a six, while Salman Ali Agha scored an unbeaten 41 off 34 balls, including 3 fours and a six.

For Lahore, Asif Afridi and Haris Rauf picked up one wicket each.