Islamabad United delivered a commanding performance against Karachi Kings to continue their unbeaten streak in PSL 10 standings. The defending champions secured a six-wicket victory at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday, chasing down a modest 129-run target with 17 balls to spare.
Strong Start Despite Early Jitters
United’s chase began confidently with Sahibzada Farhan and Azam Khan opening the innings. The pair put on 34 runs before Hasan Ali dismissed Farhan, who scored a quick 30 off 18 balls, including five boundaries and a six. In the same over, Hasan struck again, removing Colin Munro for just 4 runs, leaving United at 38/2.
Shadab-Azam Partnership Steadies Ship
Captain Shadab Khan walked in at number four and anchored the innings. Alongside Azam Khan, he formed a vital 65-run stand that put United back in control.
Shadab led from the front, scoring a well-paced 47 off 40 deliveries, which included five boundaries and two sixes. He fell just before the win was sealed, bowled by Abbas Afridi with only one run needed. Mohammad Nawaz completed the chase in the 18th over, remaining unbeaten on 8.
Read: HBL PSL X Shatters Streaming Records Despite IPL Clash
Karachi Kings Struggle with the Bat
Earlier, Karachi Kings were put into bat and struggled to build momentum. Their top order collapsed early, with David Warner dismissed for 3 and James Vince for 4, leaving them at 22/2 inside four overs.
Saad Baig and Tim Seifert tried to rebuild, adding 39 runs for the third wicket. Baig managed 20 off 17 balls before falling to Shadab Khan.
The middle and lower order fared no better. Irfan Khan was trapped LBW by Shadab for 5, and Khushdil Shah was undone by a short ball from Naseem Shah, scoring 17 off 23. Aamir Jamal was sent back by Jason Holder, continuing Kings’ batting woes.
Only Abbas Afridi provided a late spark, smashing 24 off just 9 deliveries, including a four and three sixes, to take the Kings to 128/7 in 20 overs.
United’s Bowlers Dominate
Islamabad United’s bowlers maintained tight control throughout the innings. Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Jason Holder each took two wickets. Imad Wasim added one to his name. Their disciplined attack never let Karachi settle at the crease.
United Cement Top Spot
With this victory, Islamabad United secured their fourth win in a row and now sit firmly at the top of the PSL 10 standings with 8 points. Karachi Kings, on the other hand, have two wins and two losses, placing them third on the table.
Islamabad’s all-round brilliance, both with bat and ball, continues to set the pace in this year’s tournament, making them the team to beat.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates