Qalandars Dominate Kingsmen in PSL 2026 Opener

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars delivered a commanding performance to defeat debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs in the opening match of PSL 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium.

After setting a challenging target of 200 runs, the disciplined bowling attack of the Shaheed Afridi-led side restricted Hyderabad to 130 all out in their allotted 20 overs comfortably.

The result marked a strong beginning for the three-time champions, showcasing their balanced squad and ability to control both innings against a new franchise under pressure.

Lahore’s innings was anchored by Fakhar Zaman, whose composed half-century laid the foundation for a competitive total despite a brief collapse in the middle overs.

He scored 53 runs from 39 deliveries, striking nine boundaries, and ensured his side maintained momentum after an aggressive start provided by the opening partnership.

Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem added 84 runs for the first wicket, giving Lahore early control before Naeem departed after scoring 30 runs off 19 balls.

Following quick wickets of Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman, Lahore needed stability, which came through a 37-run partnership between Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon.

Emon contributed 14 runs before his dismissal, while Haseebullah continued to build the innings and later accelerated alongside Sikandar Raza during the closing overs.

Haseebullah remained unbeaten on 40 from 28 deliveries, while Raza added a quick 24 runs from just 10 balls, boosting the total significantly.

Late contributions from Asif Ali and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi further strengthened the innings, helping Lahore reach 199 for six in their twenty overs.

In response, Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets regularly and failing to keep pace with the required scoring rate throughout their innings.

Captain Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with a cautious 26 off 22 deliveries, while Riley Meredith added an unbeaten 19 from 25 balls lower down the order.

Only a handful of batters reached double figures, including Saim Ayub with 17, while Hammad Azam and Mohammad Ali managed 10 runs each.

Lahore’s bowlers shared the workload effectively, with Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza and Ubaid Shah claiming two wickets each to dismantle Hyderabad’s batting lineup.

Mustafizur Rahman and Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed with one wicket apiece, ensuring consistent pressure that prevented Hyderabad from mounting any significant resistance during the chase.

The collective bowling effort highlighted Lahore’s depth and discipline, completing a comprehensive victory that underlined their title credentials early in the tournament.

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