Islamabad United stormed into the PSL X Qualifier with a dominant 79-run win over Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The victory, powered by explosive batting and sharp bowling, marked United’s 10th straight win against the Kings. With this result, they finished second on the points table and earned a place in the Qualifier against Quetta Gladiators.
Hales and Sahibzada Set the Tone
United’s innings began with a fiery 153-run opening stand. Alex Hales smashed 88 off 35 balls, hitting six fours and eight sixes. Sahibzada Farhan added 73 off 41 with nine boundaries and three sixes. The pair punished the Kings’ bowlers early, scoring 76 runs in the Powerplay.
Hales reached his seventh PSL half-century off just 23 balls. Sahibzada followed with a fifty off 28 deliveries. Their partnership ensured United crossed 130 runs at the halfway point.
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Middle Order Finishes Strong
Despite losing quick wickets after Sahibzada’s dismissal, United maintained momentum. Hales fell in the 17th over, but Shadab Khan’s 42 off 19 kept the scoreboard ticking. He hit three sixes and three fours. Haider Ali and Ben Dwarshuis added quick runs to help United post 251-5—only the third time a team has crossed 250 in PSL history.
Karachi’s Reply Falters
In response, David Warner (43) and Tim Seifert (26) gave the Kings a quick 56-run start. But Salman Irshad removed Seifert, triggering a collapse. Karachi went from 80-1 to 114-8 in just over five overs. They needed 204 to qualify second but fell short at 172 all out in 18.2 overs.
Shadab and Irshad Shine with the Ball
Shadab Khan led the bowling with 4-45. Irshad chipped in with 3-28, while Imad Wasim added two wickets. Mohammad Abbas Afridi’s late 34 off 13 offered resistance, but it wasn’t enough.
What’s Next
Islamabad United now face Quetta Gladiators in the Qualifier on Wednesday, May 21, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
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