The 2025 Pakistan Super League opened in dazzling fashion with Islamabad United thrashing the tournament-favorites Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets. They defeated defending champions Lahore Qalandars in a play-off match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The final was held Saturday night and it was a fantastic showcase of talent on both teams. In the final, it was Islamabad that emerged the dominant side.
Abdullah Shafique, batting at No 3, was the anchor for the Qalanders’ innings and scored a brilliant half-century. He belted a quickfire 66 off only 38 deliveries with six fours and three sixes. As tireless as he worked, his team was unable to win the race. They were bowled out for 140 runs.
Islamabad United’s bowling attack was a tough one to face, spearheaded by Shadab Khan. He turned in an exceptional performance, taking three wickets for only 25 runs. Shadab Khan’s crucial dismissals included Sam Billings, who fell for a duck, and Haris Rauf, who was stumped during the innings. The United’s Jason Holder made a telling contribution, taking four wickets for 26 runs.
Lahore had posted a difficult total. Islamabad United came under immediate pressure as Asif Afridi got rid of Andries Gous very early on in the innings. Then Sahibzada Farhan and Colin Munro got hold of the game. Wong and Dottin forged a productive partnership in the scorching heat, accumulating 55 runs for the second wicket. Farhan went on to make 25 runs before being caught by Sikandar Raza off Haris Rauf.
Colin Munro was the star performer of the evening for Islamabad, striking 59 runs off 42 balls. He was more than an athlete; he was a motivator and a leader. With 14 balls to spare he guided his side’s chase home. Munro found an able partner in Salman Agha, who scored a brisk, unbeaten 41 off 34 balls to play his part perfectly. Collectively, their 76-run partnership was unbroken and put the match, and Islamabad’s superiority, beyond doubt.
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