Qalandars started their PSL campaign with a four wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi. The experienced Muhammad Hafeez continued his rich form and made 33 off 26 balls. He was assisted by a quick fire 27 off 15 with three boundaries and one six.
Chasing a low score, the match got interesting when England’s Saqib Mehmood sent David Wiese and Samit Patel on consecutive deliveries.
Captain Sohail Akhtar and Fakhar Zaman provided a brisk start to Lahore but introduction of Mujeeb ur Rehman saw Akhtar hold out to Shoaib Malik. Fakhar departed shortly after that.
All-rounder Agha Salman had a decent start scoring 21 off 16 before being bowled by all-rounder Amad Butt. Ben Dunk scored a breezy 22-run knock off just 14 before being bowled by captain Wahab Riaz.
Earlier Zalmi were asked to bat first and had a horrific start as Imam ul Haq went on a golden duck. Shaheen was on song and had batsmen dancing to his tunes. Salman Mirza who was relacing injured Dilbar Hussain inflicted further damage by dismissing Kamran Akmal and young Haider Ali.
Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik appeared to be in sublime form, soaking up the pressure as wickets fell on the other end in the initial stages of the innings but Wiese dismissed him.
All-rounder Ravi Bopara and Sherfane Rutherford then resurrected the innings with a 64 run partnership to give Peshawar Zalmi a fighting chance.
It is still early days in the tournament but Qalandars have shown that they mean business.
