LQ vs HK live score: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem eye strong start for Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2026 opener

Mohammad Naeem smashed four off Meredith to register the first boundary of the PSL 2026.

Lahore Qalandars - 6/0 after 1 over.

Fakhar Zaman - 1*(3)

Mohammad Naeem - 4*(3)

Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Naeem are out in the middle to open innings for Lahore Qalandars.

Riley Meredith to bowl the first over of the PSL 2026.

Hyderabad Kingsmen team news and playing XIs

HK Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Marnus Labuschagne (c), Kusal Perera, Irfan Khan, Rizwan Mehmood, Hassan Khan, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed

Lahore Qalandars team news and playing XI

LQ Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Parvez Hossain Emon, Sikandar Raza, Haseebullah Khan (wK), Asif Ali, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Mustafizur Rahman, Ubaid Shah.

Marnus Labuschagne counts on Hyderabad's strong bowling attack today.

"It's really exciting to lead this side. To be a part of their journey is exciting. Ready to go today. I think our bowling looks strong and I've only come to know a few players in the last few days but there's plenty of talent. Any time you get to lead any team, it's a great privilege. Really excited about what we did in the draft."

Shaheen Afridi says it's a good surface to bat first.

"We're going to bat first. Looks a good surface, first game, let's see how the tournament is going. Me and Marnus have played together a lot in international cricket, he knows me and I know him."

Toss time:

Shaheen Afridi and Marnus Labuschagne are in the middle for the toss.

Shaheen wins the toss and Lahore Qalandars are batting first.

Lahore Qalandars are the defending champions and chasing the record fourth PSL title this season. Star bowler Shahee Afridi leads the team once again with some quality additions this season.

Australian ace Steve Smith leads the star-studded overseas pool at the Qalandars. The addition of Devon Conway, Moeen Ali and Mustafizur Rahman makes the Lahore-based franchise one of the strongest squads in the PSL 2026.

Lahore Qalandars are also expected to have a home advantage this season as the entire PSL 2026 will be held in Lahore and Karachi.

Hyderabad Kingsmen are making their PSL debut today. Australian batting ace Marnus Labuschagne is leading the team that includes Pakistani stars Saim Ayub and Usman Khan.

Glenn Maxwell, who withdrew his name before the IPL 2026 auction, is also part of the Kingsmen team. He will be under focus today after his struggling performances in the T20 World Cup 2026.

With overseas stars Maheesh Theekshana and Kusal Perera adding balance, Hyderabad Kingsmen will be eager to begin their PSL journey with a win.

Hyderabad Kingsmen squad

Marnus Labuschagne (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hammad Azam, Riley Meredith, Sharjeel Khan, Usman Khan, Akif Javed, Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Ali, Saad Ali, Kusal Perera, Asif Mehmood, Hunain Shah, Rizwan Mehmood, Tayyab Arif, Ahmed Hussain, Maheesh Theekshana, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Shayan Jahangir.

Lahore Qalandars Squad

Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Naeem, Maaz Khan, Shahab Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Mustafizur Rahman, Asif Ali, Ubaid Shah, Haseebullah, Mohammad Farooq, Daniel Sams, Parvez Hussain Emon, Hussain Talat, Tayyab Tahir, Dunith Wellalage, Rubin Hermann.

Match details:

Match: Lahore Qalandars vs Hyderabad Kingsmen

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Time: 07:30 pm IST (7 pm local time)

Umpires: Ahsan Raza, Alex Wharf and Asif Yaqoob (TV umpire)

Match referee: Roshan Mahanama

Hello everyone, welcome to Sports Yaari's live coverage of the opening match of the PSL 2026.

Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen lock horns with each other in the curtain-raiser today.