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KARACHI: March 09 - Spectators viewing the PSL match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United teams at National Stadium. APP photo by Abbas Mehdi
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Cricket-hungry fans rejoice as Pakistan leg of PSL 2019 kicks off in Karachi

Scenes of jubilation and breaking of records were aplenty on the opening night of PSL 2019 matches in the city.
Published March 10, 2019

Hundreds of cricket fans in Karachi got the rare chance to watch top cricketers from around the world participate in the first of eight matches due to take place in the city as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2019 enters its last stage.

Spectators proudly displayed their tickets as they walked to the National Stadium on Saturday, hours before the match began. Spirits were high with the promise of an electrifying contest to behold.

“I am a big fan of Ronchi, haven't ever seen him playing live and today my dream will come true,” said college student Mohammad Jabbar.

And what a thrilling match it was as the defending champions put on a brilliant spectacle with their dominant presence on the pitch.

It was a day in which record after record was smashed, with the highest PSL total ever among them.

List of records broken:

1) Highest PSL score of all time (238)

2) Most PSL sixes (16) in an innings

3) Joint-fastest PSL half-century (Asif Ali, 17 balls)

4) Highest ever T20 total in Karachi

5) Most expensive spell in PSL (Shaheen Afridi, 62 runs)

6) Least number of twos in a completed PSL innings (one, Islamabad)

7) Fastest PSL hundred (Cameron Delport, 49 balls)

A paramilitary soldier stands guard while others search a car at the main entrance to National Stadium ahead of the PSL match in Karachi on Saturday. — AP
A paramilitary soldier stands guard while others search a car at the main entrance to National Stadium ahead of the PSL match in Karachi on Saturday. — AP

Fans show their tickets upon arrival at National Stadium ahead of the PSL match on Saturday. — AP
Fans show their tickets upon arrival at National Stadium ahead of the PSL match on Saturday. — AP

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah along with PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and officials and players of Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United teams standing as the National Anthem is played before the  start of  the match. — APP
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah along with PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani and officials and players of Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United teams standing as the National Anthem is played before the start of the match. — APP

Cricket fans dance on traditional drum beat. — AP
Cricket fans dance on traditional drum beat. — AP

Spectators cheering and waving the Pakistan flag proudly. — AP
Spectators cheering and waving the Pakistan flag proudly. — AP

Spectators viewing the intense face-off between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. — APP
Spectators viewing the intense face-off between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars. — APP

A view of the match between the Qalandars and United teams played at the National Stadium in Karachi. — APP
A view of the match between the Qalandars and United teams played at the National Stadium in Karachi. — APP

Islamabad United batsman Cameron Delport, left, plays a shot while Lahore Qalandar's wicketkeeper Riki Wessels look on. — AP
Islamabad United batsman Cameron Delport, left, plays a shot while Lahore Qalandar's wicketkeeper Riki Wessels look on. — AP

Spectators came armed with various colourful props. — APP
Spectators came armed with various colourful props. — APP

Even children delighted in the game. — APP
Even children delighted in the game. — APP

Fans holding signs up in support of the game and their favourite players. — APP
Fans holding signs up in support of the game and their favourite players. — APP

Islamabad United’s player Cameron Delport receiving the Man of the Match award after winning against Lahore Qalanders. — APP
Islamabad United’s player Cameron Delport receiving the Man of the Match award after winning against Lahore Qalanders. — APP