LAHORE: Fakhar Zaman became the second batter after Babar Azam (3,792) to complete 3,000 runs in the Pakistan Super League as three-time defending champions Lahore Qalandars handed a 69-run drubbing to debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen. The opening match of the 11th edition, held on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium, hosted select VIPs but was played without spectators.

Fakhar reached the 3,000-run milestone upon reaching 36 and went on to top-score with 53 from 39 balls, including 10 fours, as Lahore posted 199 for six after electing to bat. Hyderabad made a promising start with 25 runs in 16 balls before losing their way to be bowled out for 130.

Captain Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with 26, while No. 9 batter Riley Meredith scored an unbeaten 19 and Saim Ayub contributed 17.

After displaying their batting strength, Lahore demonstrated their bowling prowess to leave the Hyderabad batters looking hapless. Only a couple of dropped catches by Ubaid Shah and Abdullah Shafique spoiled an otherwise clinical performance.

All five of Lahore’s frontline bowlers were among the wickets.

Haris Rauf claimed two for 22, while Sikandar Raza and Ubaid Shah snapped up two wickets apiece for 27 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, following a cameo of 12 not out off two balls, finished with one for 28. Mustafizur Rahman was clinical and mean with the white ball, finishing with one for 19.

Earlier, Lahore capitalised on a good toss, posting a dominant 199 for six – bolstered by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s successive sixes off the final two deliveries.

Openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem provided a blistering 84-run start from 51 balls before Naeem departed for 30. The home side suffered a brief setback when Abdullah Shafique was run out, followed by Fakhar’s dismissal two balls later, as Lahore slipped from 84 for no loss to 94 for three.

Haseebullah Khan then anchored two crucial partnerships to rescue the innings. Haseebullah, who scored 40 not out from 28 balls, added 37 runs for the fourth wicket with Parvez Hossain Emon (14) and 45 runs for the fifth wicket with Sikandar Raza (24).

After reaching 129 for three at the 15-over mark, Lahore plundered 70 runs in the final five overs, including 22 runs in the last over off Mohammad Ali.

For Hyderabad, left-arm spinner Hassan Khan was the most impressive with two for 30, while Riley Meredith’s two wickets cost 39 runs. Fast bowler Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket but was hit for 50 runs from his three overs.

Scores in brief:

Match 1 – Lahore Qalandars beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs

Lahore Qalandars 199-6, 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 53, Haseebullah Khan 40 not out, Mohammad Naeem 30, Sikandar Raza 24; Hassan Khan 2-30, Riley Meredith 2-39)

Hyderabad Kingsmen 130 all-out, 20 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 26, Meredith 19 not out, Saim Ayub 17, Hassan Khan 14, Hammad Azam 10; Haris Rauf 2-22, Sikandar Raza 2-27, Ubaid Shah 2-27)

Player of the match – Fakhar Zaman (Lahore Qalandars)

Friday’s fixture – Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings (7pm)