Holder, Munro Shine as Islamabad United Begin Title Defense with Emphatic Win Over Lahore Qalandars

Holder, Munro Shine as Islamabad United Begin Title Defense with Emphatic Win Over Lahore Qalandars

Defending champions Islamabad United kicked off their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 campaign in commanding style, registering a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. A clinical bowling display, led by debutant Jason Holder’s four-wicket haul, and a composed half-century from Colin Munro ensured United started their title defense on a high note.

Holder’s Dream Debut

Opting to bowl first, Islamabad's pace attack struck early, with Riley Meredith removing Fakhar Zaman cheaply. However, it was Jason Holder who stole the show. Making his PSL debut, the West Indian allrounder returned figures of 4 for 26, using pace variation and bounce to great effect. He ripped through Lahore’s lower order, including back-to-back wickets of Jahandad Khan and David Wiese, and later dismissed captain Shaheen Afridi to cap a brilliant outing.

Captain Shadab Khan supported well, picking up 3 for 25, while spinner Imad Wasim chipped in with a key wicket. Lahore, despite a fighting knock of 66 off 38 balls by Abdullah Shafique, were bundled out for 139 in 19.2 overs.

Shafique’s Lone Battle

Shafique looked in sublime touch, playing elegant strokes all around the wicket and showing intent against both pace and spin. He struck a towering six over Imad’s head and added 35 with Sikandar Raza during a brief revival. However, regular wickets meant Shafique received little support, with Lahore collapsing from 114 for 5 to 139 all out, losing five wickets for just 25 runs.

Munro, Agha Seal the Deal

Chasing 140 on a slightly two-paced surface, Islamabad United approached their innings with measured caution. Opener Andries Gous fell early, but Munro steadied the innings with an unbeaten 59 off 42 balls. Partnering with Sahibzada Farhan and later Salman Agha (41*), Munro ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.

While Farhan contributed a quickfire 25 with three sixes, it was Agha’s clean hitting and Munro’s poise that broke Lahore’s back. A costly over from David Wiese went for 17 runs, reducing the pressure and allowing Islamabad to cruise. The match was effectively over when Agha smashed Haris Rauf over mid-off and then Jahandad Khan over extra cover to seal victory with 14 balls to spare.

Dominant Start for Defending Champs

Islamabad United’s well-rounded performance sent an early warning to the rest of the league. Holder’s impactful debut, a confident chase anchored by Munro, and smart captaincy from Shadab Khan combined to give them a dominant win.

As Lahore Qalandars regroup after a disappointing loss, Islamabad march on, looking every bit the team to beat in PSL 2025.

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