Islamabad United bounced back in style after a dip in form, producing a commanding all-round performance to defeat Karachi Kings by 79 runs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This emphatic win not only ended United’s four-match losing streak but also secured their place in the PSL 2025 qualifier against Quetta Gladiators.
After being sent in to bat, Islamabad United put on a batting masterclass. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Alex Hales tore into Karachi’s bowling attack, setting the tone with aggressive strokeplay. Farhan, looking fluent from the outset, smashed 73 off 41 balls, peppered with nine fours and three sixes. At the other end, Hales unleashed carnage, scoring a blistering 88 off just 35 deliveries, including six fours and eight towering sixes.
United raced to 76-0 in the powerplay and kept the pressure on, reaching 150 by the 11th over. Though Farhan eventually chipped one to short fine-leg, the damage was already done. A quick fall of a few wickets, including Rassie van der Dussen and Salman Ali Agha, gave Karachi a glimmer of hope, but that was short-lived.
Captain Shadab Khan then took control of the innings, blasting 42 off just 19 balls, including three fours and three sixes. His late fireworks, along with cameos from Haider Ali and Ben Dwarshuis, lifted United to a towering 251-5 — one of the highest totals in PSL history.
In reply, Karachi Kings began their chase with decent intent, reaching 62-1 during the powerplay. Tim Seifert looked promising before falling to a scorching yorker from Salman Irshad. James Vince was outfoxed by Imad Wasim, while Saad Baig was dismissed slicing one to Shadab Khan.
Despite David Warner’s aggressive 43 off 28 balls, the middle order couldn’t withstand the pressure. Shadab spun a web around the Kings’ batting lineup, claiming four crucial wickets for 45 runs. His control and variation choked the scoring in the middle overs and triggered a collapse.
Imad Wasim and Salman Irshad offered valuable support, with the latter finishing with 3-28. The game was virtually sealed when Salman dismissed power-hitter Abbas Afridi after a brief counterattack. Karachi Kings were bundled out for 172, falling well short of the target.
The victory was a crucial statement from the defending champions, who not only leapfrogged Karachi into second place but also sent a strong message ahead of the playoffs. With the league stage done, Islamabad United now gear up to face Quetta Gladiators in the qualifier, while Karachi Kings will battle Lahore Qalandars in the eliminator.
For Islamabad, the return to form couldn’t have come at a better time. With Shadab leading from the front and the batting lineup firing once again, United looks like a serious contender to retain their title.
