Mustafizur, Emon’s Lahore thrash Hyderabad in PSL opener

Defending champions Lahore Qalandars made a commanding start to Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, crushing debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman played a key role in the victory, with figures of 1-19 in four overs. His Bangladeshi teammate Parvez Hossain Emon, making his PSL debut, chipped in with a 13-ball 14 in the middle-order.

Returning to his former franchise as a direct signing just weeks after his IPL exit, Mustafizur came up with the most economical spell among Lahore's bowlers. He tightened the screws in the death overs and wrapped things up as Hyderabad were bowled out for 130 in 20 overs.

Parvez, coming out to bat at No.4, hit a six before getting caught off Riley Meredith. He and Haseebullah Khan steadied Lahore after a mid-innings wobble before Emon's dismissal at 131-4.

Lahore had earlier posted 199-6, riding on an 84-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman (53 off 39) and Mohammad Naeem (30 off 19). Haseebullah then blasted 40 off 28, while Sikandar Raza smashed 24 off just 10 balls.

In reply, Hyderabad's top order -- including captain Marnus Labuschagne (26) and Saim Ayub (17) -- all failed to make an impact. Haris Rauf, Raza and Ubaid Shah each claimed two wickets as the innings crumbled.

With the win, the Bangladeshi duo started their PSL campaign on a winning note. Four other Bangladeshi cricketers have been picked in the current edition -- the highest ever in a single season of PSL.