RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United showcased a stellar all-round display to secure a dominant victory by 79 runs over Karachi Kings in the final league match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The triumph not only showcased the Shadab Khan-led side dominance but also secured them the second spot on the points table, earning them a place in the first qualifier of the playoffs.
Chasing a mammoth 251, the Kings were bowled out for 172.
Chasing the daunting total, Karachi Kings got off to a flying start, with a blistering 56-run partnership between openers Tim Seifert and David Warner in just 5.2 overs. Tim Seifert was the first batter to depart after scoring 26 off 17 deliveries.
James Vince and Saad Baig also failed to impress as they managed to score only eight and five runs respectively, leaving the Kings 85-3.
Captain David Warner played a brilliant knock, scoring 43 off 28 balls with two sixes and four fours, but his dismissal, followed by the wickets of Khushdil Shah, Irfan Niazi and Muhammad Nabi left the Kings in deep trouble at 114-7.
Despite the collapse, Karachi Kings’ lower order showed resilience, with Aamer Jamal and Abbas Afridi putting up a valiant 41-run partnership. Afridi’s cameo of 34 off 13 balls, featuring three sixes and two fours, was a highlight, but his dismissal in the 17th over sealed the Kings’ fate. Ultimately, Karachi Kings were bowled out for 172 in 18.2 overs.
For Islamabad United, captain Shadab Khan picked up four wickets for 45 runs in four overs while Salman Irshad finished with figures of 3-28.
After being asked to bat first, Islamabad United posted a mammoth 251-run total thanks to quick fifties from Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan helped against Karachi Kings in the 30th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 on Monday.
Put to bat first, the United were off to a flying start as Sahibzada Farhan and Alex Hales gave them a 153-run opening stand.
Farhan was the first to fall, not before making 73 off 41 balls, with the help of nine fours and three sixes.
Rassie van der Dussen arrived at the crease when Islamabad United were 153/1 in 11.3 overs.
The South Africa batter could make just one run while Salman Agha was removed after scoring seven runs.
Alex Hales’s innings came to an end in the 17th over after scoring 88 off just 35 balls, laced with six fours and eight sixes.
Captain Shadab Khan then took charge of the innings and smashed 42 off 19 balls.
Haider Ali remained unbeaten on 19 alongside Ben Dwarshuis (10)* as United finished at 251/5 in their 20 overs.
Playing XIs
Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie Van der Dussen, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Shadab Khan (cap), Ben Dwarshuis, Imad Wasim, Salman Irshad, and Tymal Mills.
Karachi Kings: David Warner (c), Tim Seifert, James Vince, Saad Baig (wk), Khushdil Shah, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nabi, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Hassan Ali, and Mir Hamza.
Read more: PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators edge Multan Sultans to top table
It is worth noting here that PSL 10 was suspended for nine days due to rising tensions between Pakistan and India.
After both countries agreed on the ceasefire, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the resumption of the tournament from May 17.
As per the revised schedule, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosted a double-header on May 18, with Multan Sultans taking on Quetta Gladiators in the afternoon, while Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars faced off in the evening encounter.
Today’s game is the last of the group stage, with the two teams battling it out for the second spot on the PSL 10 points table.
