West Indies’ Jason Holder HBL PSL X dream debut with a fiery four-wicket haul, propelling Islamabad United to an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The defending champions showcased their title credentials, dismantling the Qalandars for 139 before cruising to the target with 14 balls to spare.
Qalandars’ Batting Collapse: Jason Holder HBL PSL Dream Debut
Electing to bat first, Lahore Qalandars crumbled under relentless pressure from Holder’s pace mastery and skipper Shadab Khan’s guile. Only Abdullah Shafique (66 off 38) stood tall, anchoring the innings with six boundaries and three sixes. His 35-run partnership with Sikandar Raza (23) briefly steadied the ship, but Holder’s 4-26 and Shadab’s 3-25 triggered a collapse from 93/5 to 139 all out.
Turning Point:
Holder’s double-strike in the 15th over – removing Raza and Haris Rauf – shattered Qalandars’ hopes of a competitive total.
Islamabad United’s Chase: Munro & Salman Seal the Deal
Chasing 140, United’s Colin Munro (59* off 42) and Salman Ali Agha (41* off 34) orchestrated a clinical unbroken 85-run stand, capitalizing on Qalandars’ toothless bowling. Despite losing Andries Gous early, Munro’s seven boundaries and Salman’s crisp strokeplay ensured a comfortable win under lights.
Key Performances:
- Jason Holder: 4-26 (Debut four-fer)
- Abdullah Shafique: 66 (Lone warrior for Qalandars)
- Colin Munro: 59* (Anchor with flair)
Scores in Brief
Lahore Qalandars: 139 all out (19.2 overs)
Abdullah Shafique 66, Sikandar Raza 23; Jason Holder 4-26, Shadab Khan 3-25
Islamabad United: 143-2 (17.4 overs)
Colin Munro 59, Salman Ali Agha 41; Asif Afridi 1-24
Player of the Match: Jason Holder (Islamabad United).
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