In a gripping encounter on April 20, Islamabad United triumphed over Karachi Kings by 6 wickets in Match 10 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. The clash took place at the National Stadium in Karachi, where Islamabad's impressive chase handed them their fourth consecutive win of the season, maintaining their top spot on the points table.
Karachi Kings, put to bat first, could only muster 128/7 in their allotted 20 overs, a total that Islamabad United chased down in 17.1 overs with four wickets in hand. The Karachi Kings’ batting woes were evident throughout the innings as they struggled to get going on a tricky pitch. Shadab Khan’s captaincy and a clinical bowling performance by his team helped Islamabad United hold a tight grip on the game.
Karachi Kings' Inning
The Karachi Kings’ batting lineup never seemed to find its rhythm. Opening the batting, New Zealand’s Tim Seifert was dismissed cheaply, and soon after, the Kings were 5-1 with the loss of their captain, David Warner. Despite a fighting knock from James Vince, who scored 47 runs, the Kings were unable to capitalize on any substantial partnerships. The bowling attack of Islamabad United consistently kept the pressure on, with Naseem Shah, Jason Holder, and Shadab Khan each taking crucial wickets.
By the time Karachi reached the death overs, the scorecard read 128/7, with only a few fleeting moments of resistance. Sahibzada Farhan managed to score 30 runs off 18 balls, while Abbas Afridi's late blitz of 24 runs off just 9 balls provided some respite. However, it wasn’t enough to put Islamabad under significant pressure.
Islamabad United's Response
Chasing a target of 129, Islamabad United started well with Sahibzada Farhan providing an explosive start, scoring 30 off 18 balls. His knock set the tone for the chase. Following him, Azam Khan and Shadab Khan formed a pivotal partnership, adding 65 runs for the third wicket. Shadab Khan’s calm presence in the middle was vital for Islamabad, guiding them closer to the target.
Although Shadab Khan was dismissed for 47 by Abbas Afridi, the chase was well in hand, and Mohammad Nawaz (8 not out) sealed the victory with a single to take Islamabad United home. The match concluded with Islamabad scoring 129 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, achieving the target with 17 balls to spare.
Shadab Khan was awarded the Player of the Match for his all-round performance, having contributed significantly with both bat and ball. He took two wickets for 17 runs in his four overs and played a crucial innings that helped his team secure the win.
Reflecting on his performance, Shadab said, “We had picked our squad according to the conditions. The pitch didn’t behave as per our liking, but we assessed it pretty well. Our openers gave us a good start in the powerplay and made it difficult for the opposition.”
Azam Khan also played a key role in the victory, scoring 31 runs off 30 balls and anchoring the innings alongside Shadab. His ability to read the pitch and play according to the situation was crucial in guiding his team closer to victory.
Karachi Kings' captain David Warner, despite his team’s defeat, acknowledged the challenges they faced. He stated, “Losing those wickets in the powerplay, you’d probably still take the game on but it didn’t work out. One of those games you forget about. If we didn’t get out to bad bowling, there’s a lot of positives from it.”
Bowling Highlights
For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 28 runs in his four overs. His early breakthroughs were critical in keeping the Karachi Kings under pressure. The other bowlers, including Mohammad Nabi and Abbas Afridi, managed to take one wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to halt Islamabad’s progress.
Naseem Shah, Jason Holder, and Shadab Khan led the way for Islamabad United with two wickets each, showcasing a disciplined bowling attack that made scoring difficult for the Kings.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Islamabad United remain unbeaten and stay on top of the table with 8 points from 4 matches. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings slip to third place with 2 wins from their 4 outings. Islamabad United will next face the winless Multan Sultans on April 23, while the Karachi Kings will take on Peshawar Zalmi on April 22.
This match not only showcased the prowess of Islamabad United but also highlighted the challenges faced by Karachi Kings as they look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming fixtures. As the tournament progresses, the competition is set to intensify, and both teams will be eager to secure vital points to enhance their standings in the PSL 2025.
