Islamabad United continued their unstoppable run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 with another strong performance. They crushed Karachi Kings by six wickets in the 10th match played at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a low target of 129, Islamabad United crossed the line with 17 balls remaining and six wickets still in hand. Sahibzada Farhan and Azam Khan gave them a fast start. The opening pair added 34 runs before Hasan Ali broke through. Farhan smashed 30 runs from only 18 balls, hitting five fours and a six, before falling to Hasan.
Hasan Ali struck again in the same over, dismissing Colin Munro for a cautious four. At that point, Islamabad United were 38/2 in the fifth over. Captain Shadab Khan then joined Azam Khan, and together they calmed the situation. Their 65-run partnership built the perfect platform for victory.
Mohammad Nabi bowled Azam Khan in the 14th over. Azam had contributed a careful 31 off 30 balls, decorated with three boundaries and a six. After his departure, United needed just 26 more runs to win. Shadab Khan continued leading from the front but fell just before the finish. Abbas Afridi dismissed him in the 17th over when only one run was needed.
Shadab’s innings was crucial. He scored a steady 47 from 40 balls, laced with five fours and two massive sixes. Mohammad Nawaz then hit the winning run on the first ball of the 18th over. He stayed unbeaten on eight from 12 balls.
For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for 28 runs in four overs. Mohammad Nabi also picked up one scalp but could not stop Islamabad United.
Earlier, Islamabad United’s bowlers displayed complete control over the Karachi Kings. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, they restricted Kings to just 128/7. The innings started badly for Karachi. Their captain David Warner fell early for only three runs. James Vince followed soon after, scoring just four. Within four overs, Karachi managed only 22 runs.
Youngster Saad Baig and Tim Seifert tried to repair the damage. They put on 39 runs together, playing cautiously. But Shadab Khan removed Baig in the 10th over after a quick 20 off 17 balls, including four boundaries.
Seifert struggled to score freely and was dismissed for 30 from 37 balls by Imad Wasim in the 13th over. Pressure kept building as Shadab struck again, dismissing Mohammad Irfan Khan for just five runs. Naseem Shah then removed Khushdil Shah for 17 off 23 balls with a sharp delivery.
Jason Holder, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, got Aamir Jamal out with a nasty bouncer. Karachi were left tottering at 102/7. Abbas Afridi gave Kings a slight lift at the end, smashing 24 runs from just nine balls, with one four and three sixes.
For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, and Jason Holder were the pick of the bowlers. Each claimed two wickets, while Imad Wasim chipped in with one.
After this victory, Islamabad United remained the only unbeaten side in PSL 10. With three dominant wins, they sit comfortably at the top of the table. Their form and confidence make them the team to beat.
Meanwhile, Karachi Kings have had an up-and-down campaign. They won their opening match, lost the next, and then beat Quetta Gladiators in style. However, against United, their struggles continued. Islamabad United have now defeated Karachi Kings in their last six meetings.
Karachi, playing at home, will be desperate to break this streak and regain momentum.
