Lahore Qalandars post 200-run target in PSL 11 opener
Fakhar Zaman's half-century and a late Haseebullah blitz power Qalandars to a commanding 199/6 as PSL 11 kicks off in Lahore.
PSL 11 – (Web Desk) – Defending champions Lahore Qalandars got their PSL 11 campaign off to a flying start on Thursday, posting a commanding 199/6 in their 20 overs against newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi called it right at the toss, choosing to bat first — and his team responded beautifully. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem wasted no time getting into their stride, stitching together an impressive 84-run partnership right at the top. Fakhar was the star of the show, stroking a classy 53 off just 39 balls, peppered with nine boundaries, before eventually departing. Naeem chipped in with a handy 30 before Hassan Khan sent him back to the dugout.
The Qalandars hit a brief rough patch in the middle overs, losing Abdullah Shafique cheaply for just four runs, followed soon after by Fakhar. But the innings never lost its momentum. Haseebullah Khan anchored things brilliantly, finishing unbeaten on 40 off 28 balls, while hard-hitting all-rounder Sikandar Raza injected some late fireworks with a blistering 24 off just 10 deliveries. Their 45-run stand gave the innings a real boost, with Asif Ali and Afridi himself also chipping in down the order to push the total past the 200-run mark.
For the Kingsmen, Riley Meredith and Hassan Khan were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets apiece, while Mohammad Ali also got one to his name.
This season marks an exciting new chapter for the PSL, which has expanded to eight teams for the first time. Two fresh faces — Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiz — have joined the fold, while Multan Sultans step out under new leadership. The action is split across Lahore and Karachi, though one notable dampener is that all matches are being played in front of empty stands.
The Qalandars head into this defence of their title looking well-equipped, boasting a solid batting lineup complemented by one of the most feared pace attacks in the tournament. Standing in their way tonight are the Kingsmen, led by Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne and bolstered by big names like Glenn Maxwell, Kusal Perera, the express pace of Riley Meredith, and record signing Saim Ayub.
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The curtain has gone up on PSL 11 — and if this opener is anything to go by, cricket fans are in for a treat, empty stadiums or not.
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