ISU vs LHQ Highlights | Islamabad United Dominate Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2025 Opener | Shadab Khan & Munro Shine | PSL 2025 | 1st Match

Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars, PSL 2025: Shadab Khan’s United Dominate Season Opener in Rawalpindi

Summary

Islamabad United kicked off their Pakistan Super League 2025 campaign in style, completely outplaying Lahore Qalandars in the first match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Shadab Khan’s men put in a clinical performance with both ball and bat. Lahore Qalandars struggled to get going and were bundled out for just 139 in 19.2 overs. In response, Islamabad United, powered by Colin Munro's explosive stroke-play, raced to 74/2 in just 11 overs at the time of reporting, needing only 67 runs off 57 balls to win comfortably.

Scorecard

Lahore Qalandars – 139 all out in 19.2 overs
Abdullah Shafique – 66 (38)
Jason Holder – 3/26
Shadab Khan – 3/25

Islamabad United – 74/2 in 11 overs
Colin Munro – 34* (25)
Sahibzada Farhan – 25 (24)
Haris Rauf – 1/17

A Perfect Start for Islamabad United in PSL 2025

The Pakistan Super League 2025 got underway in Rawalpindi with a highly anticipated clash between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. This was not just any opening fixture it was a clash between two power-packed teams known for producing fireworks. But this time, the fireworks largely came from Islamabad United’s camp, leaving Lahore Qalandars to lick their wounds after a dismal batting display.

Shadab Khan, the ever-calculated Islamabad United captain, won the toss and made the straightforward decision to bowl first on a surface known for assisting pacers under lights. And the decision proved golden almost immediately.

Lahore Qalandars Batting Crumbles Under Pressure

The Lahore Qalandars innings never really got going. Fakhar Zaman’s early dismissal to Riley Meredith for just 1 run set the tone for a shaky start. Mohammad Naeem tried to counter-attack with an entertaining 8-ball 11, but once he fell to Jason Holder, the top order was quickly dismantled.

Abdullah Shafique was the lone warrior for Lahore, compiling a classy 66 from 38 balls an innings laced with boundaries and aggressive intent. But with wickets falling at the other end, Shafique's knock felt like a solo battle. After his dismissal, there was little resistance from the lower order.

Shadab Khan’s bowling brilliance was on full display. The leg-spinner not only picked up three vital wickets but also applied immense pressure through his tight lines. Jason Holder backed him up perfectly with 3 for 26, using his variations and height to trouble the batters. The rest of the Islamabad bowling unit, particularly Naseem Shah and Meredith, were equally effective, ensuring Lahore were bowled out for a below-par 139.

Colin Munro’s Aggression Seals Islamabad’s Dominance

Chasing 140 was never going to trouble a batting line-up as experienced as Islamabad United's, especially on a batting-friendly surface. Andries Gous did fall early for 4, but that only allowed Colin Munro to take center stage.

Munro’s clean hitting against both pace and spin showed why he remains one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket. His 34 not out from 25 balls included five boundaries and was played with supreme confidence.

Sahibzada Farhan played his part with a brisk 25 off 24 balls before falling to Haris Rauf. But at 74/2 in 11 overs, Islamabad were cruising towards a well-deserved victory, needing just 67 runs in 57 balls with eight wickets in hand.

Lahore Qalandars' Struggles in PSL 2025 Continue

This defeat adds to Lahore Qalandars' recent struggles in the PSL. Despite being a two-time champion and known for their deadly bowling attack, their batting inconsistencies were again on full display. Apart from Abdullah Shafique, none of the batters seemed capable of handling Islamabad's disciplined bowling.

Shaheen Afridi's captaincy, too, came under the spotlight, as his team looked lackluster in both batting and bowling departments. The absence of partnerships and reckless shot selections hurt Lahore’s chances right from the start.

Islamabad United Looking Like Early Favourites

On the other hand, Islamabad United sent a strong message to the rest of the teams in PSL 2025. Their bowling attack looks balanced, and their batting, led by Munro, seems ready to chase down targets with ease.

With players like Shadab Khan, Jason Holder, and Colin Munro stepping up right from game one, United's blend of experience and youthful energy makes them serious title contenders this season.