In a thrilling start to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10, Colin Munro of Islamabad United made headlines by shattering a long-standing record during the opening match against Lahore Qalandars on April 11, 2025. Munro played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory with an impressive unbeaten score of 59 runs off just 42 balls, helping Islamabad chase down a target of 140 runs with ease.
This remarkable innings not only secured a comfortable eight-wicket win for Islamabad United but also marked a significant milestone in Munro's career. By surpassing former Quetta Gladiators captain Rilee Rossouw, Munro now holds the record for the most fifty-plus scores by a foreign player in PSL history, with his 13th half-century. Previously, he was tied with Rossouw at 12 fifties, but his stellar performance in Rawalpindi has now set him apart.
In the match, Islamabad United's chase began on a shaky note with debutant Andries Gous dismissed for just four runs. However, Munro quickly steadied the innings alongside Sahibzada Farhan, forming a crucial 55-run partnership that set the tone for the chase. Along with Munro's innings, Salman Ali Agha contributed significantly, remaining not out at 41 off 34 deliveries, ensuring that United crossed the finish line with 14 balls to spare.
On the bowling front, Islamabad's Jason Holder made an impressive debut, taking 4 wickets for just 26 runs, while Shadab Khan added three more to restrict Lahore Qalandars to a mere 139 runs in 19.2 overs. The Qalandars' innings saw Abdullah Shafique as the standout performer, scoring 66 runs off 38 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered against the disciplined bowling attack of Islamabad.
Munro's achievement is not just a personal triumph; it highlights his consistency and skill in the PSL. He now boasts a total of 1,476 runs in 48 appearances, solidifying his place among the top foreign players in the league. Following Munro and Rossouw, other notable foreign players with a significant number of fifty-plus scores include Luke Ronchi and Jason Roy, both with 10 fifties in their respective careers.
In the overall context of the PSL, Babar Azam, captain of Peshawar Zalmi, leads the chart with a remarkable 35 fifty-plus scores, further establishing his reputation as one of the premier batsmen in Pakistan's cricketing history.
As the tournament progresses, Islamabad United will look to build on this momentum and defend their title, while Munro's record-breaking performance sets a high bar for his competitors. The fans are eagerly anticipating how this season will unfold, especially with such a thrilling start.
With the victory, Islamabad United now sits at the top of the points table, while Lahore Qalandars find themselves at the bottom, needing to regroup and strategize for their upcoming matches.
As the PSL continues, all eyes will be on Colin Munro to see if he can extend his record and further solidify his legacy in Pakistan cricket.
