Defending champions Islamabad United continued their dominant run in the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bowl first on a two-paced surface, United's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Karachi Kings to a modest 127/8 in 20 overs. In reply, United chased down the target with 17 balls to spare, securing their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.
In stark contrast to the Kings’ struggles with the bat, Islamabad United began their chase with intent, led by the in-form Sahibzada Farhan, who blazed his way to 30 off just 18 balls, striking five boundaries and a six.
His brisk innings propelled United to 34 in quick time before a stunning catch by David Warner ended his stay, handing Karachi their first breakthrough. Hasan Ali struck again in the same over, clean bowling Colin Munro to momentarily pull United back.
Despite the early blows, United remained in control. Azam Khan anchored the middle overs with a steady 31 off 30 deliveries, while skipper Shadab Khan played a captain’s knock, guiding the chase with a fluent 47 off 40, laced with five fours and two sixes.
Though Hasan Ali and Abbas Afridi managed to pick up wickets, Karachi’s modest total left their bowlers with little margin for error.
Mohammad Nawaz (8* off 12) and Muhammad Shahzad finished off the chase as United wrapped up the win at 129/4 in 17.1 overs.
Earlier, Islamabad United’s decision to bowl first proved spot on as their bowlers capitalised on a slow, unpredictable surface to restrict Karachi Kings on a low total.
The pitch offered inconsistent bounce and noticeable grip, making batting a difficult proposition. The ball often held up on the surface, with the odd delivery keeping low, disrupting the batters’ rhythm throughout the innings.
Kings got off to a nervy start as captain David Warner fell early for just 3, bowled by Naseem Shah, while James Vince was unable to get going before he was dismissed by Jason Holder for 4 off 7 deliveries.
Tim Seifert top-scored for the Kings with a laboured 30 off 37 balls, before falling to Imad Wasim via a return catch. Young Saad Baig looked promising during his 17-ball 20 but was removed by United skipper Shadab Khan, who also claimed the wicket of Irfan Khan to maintain pressure in the middle overs.
Khushdil Shah (17 off 23) continued to struggle for fluency and was eventually dismissed by Naseem Shah. At 94 for 6 in 17 overs, Kings were staring at one of their lowest-ever PSL totals before Abbas Afridi provided late fireworks, smashing 24 off 9 deliveries to lift his side to a respectable total of 128/7.
For Islamabad, Shadab Khan led from the front with 2 for 17 in his four overs. Naseem Shah and Jason Holder also chipped in with two wickets apiece.
The total, however, may still be below par on a surface where run-making remained challenging throughout the innings
Islamabad United XI: Shadab Khan (Captain), Sahibzada Farhan, Azam Khan (wk), Colin Munro, Haider Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Jason Holder, Muhammad Shahzad, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Naseem Shah
Karachi Kings XI: David Warner (Captain), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza
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