Lahore Qalandars got their PSL 2026 title defence off to a roaring start, demolishing new franchise Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday.
Opener Fakhar Zaman anchored the innings with a fluent 53 off 39 balls, while the Qalandars' powerful lower order pushed the total to a daunting 199/6 from their 20 overs.
In reply, Hyderabad Kingsmen — making their PSL debut under captain Marnus Labuschagne — never threatened the target, folding for 130 in 20 overs. Haris Rauf led the bowling attack with disciplined figures of 2/22 from his 4 overs, while Mustafizur Rahman also impressed to spoil Marnus Labuschagne's PSL debut.
Scorecard
Lahore Qalandars: 199/6 (20 ov) — Fakhar Zaman 53(39), Hussain Talat 44(28)
Hyderabad Kingsmen: 130 (20 ov) — Marnus Labuschagne 22(18)
Player of the Match: Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)
The match was played behind closed doors due to security protocols put in place under Pakistan's national austerity measures following the ongoing Middle East fuel crisis.