Islamabad United’s decision to bowl first proved masterly as they bundled out Lahore Qalandars for a meager 100 runs in 18.3 overs.
Islamabad United’s decision to bowl first proved masterly as they bundled out Lahore Qalandars for a meager 100 runs in 18.3 overs.
Following Mohammad Naeem’s golden duck, Lahore never recovered, stifled by Richard Gleeson and Imad Wasim. Requiring just 101 for victory, Islamabad holds total control heading into the chase.
It has been an absolutely disappointing performance from the Lahore batters as the reigning champions go 7 down without even posting triple figures on the board.
Now it all depends on skipper Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf as to how many more runs they can add.
Half of the Qalandars batting line-up is now inside the dressing room and the reigning champions are in a spot of bother now with only 7 overs remaining. Shadab Khan makes Mohammad Faiq his latest scalp.
It has gone from bad to worse for the Lahore Qalandars as they lose 4 of their batters within 9.1 overs with Rubin Hermann becoming the latest to depart for 4 runs by skipper Shadab Khan. Opening batter Hasebullah Khan was removed by Chris Green.
Four overs done and it has been a superb start for the Islamabad United side, who have kept the Lahore batters quiet but with only 2 overs remaining for the powerplay, the reigning champs will have to catch up and conclude with a recovered run-rate.
Delight for Islamabad right at the start of this match as Imad Wasim gets the wicket of Mohammad Naeem.
Naeem is absolutely gutted. He’s out for a golden duck and can’t believe it. He tried to stay deep in his crease to slap the ball through the off-side, but it hit the top of the bat and didn't go anywhere.
It flew low toward cover, where Sammer stayed sharp, bent down, and grabbed it just before it hit the grass. First wicket falls for the defending champions.
Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Rubin Hermann, Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Ryan Burl, Haseebullah Khan (WK), Shaheen Afridi (C), Haris Rauf, Ubaid Shah, Mustafizur Rahman
Islamabad United: Devon Conway (WK), Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq, Haider Ali, Mark Chapman, Shadab Khan (C), Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Richard Gleeson, Salman Irshad
Islamabad won the toss and chose to bowl first.


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