KARACHI: The National Stadium was packed with cricket enthusiasts on Saturday as Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars faced each other in the first of the last eight matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in this seaside metropolis.
Given security fears, the first 26 matches of Pakistan’s national cricket league were played in the United Arab Emirates and the last eight, between March 9 and 17, were planned for Lahore and Karachi. But the matches in Lahore, which is near the border with India, were also moved to Karachi after soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors last month sparked fears of an all-out war.
Saturday’s match, which proved to be one of the most exciting PSL contests this year, was largely dominated by Cameron Delport who played a blitzing innings and helped Islamabad United set a huge target of 239 runs for the rival team. In response, Lahore Qalandars tried to maintain a good run rate but ultimately lost the match by 49 runs.
Earlier in the day, thousands of spectators gathered at the stadium to support their favorite teams. “I am delighted that I will be watching another match in this cricket ground,” Ammar Ali, a student, told Arab News.
Holding a Pakistani flag, Rehan Ahmed, a young cricket fan, said he was happy to see PSL matches being played in Pakistan. “We have been desperately waiting for these moments. Once again, we will be watching some of the best international cricket stars in Karachi’s National Stadium,” he said.
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