KARACHI: Islamabad United continued their commanding run in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a clinical six-wicket victory over Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday. Skipper Shadab Khan starred with bat and ball, guiding his team to a fourth consecutive win while deepening the hosts’ woes in a season marred by inconsistency.
Karachi Kings’ Batting Collapse: 128/7
Opting to bat first, Karachi Kings faltered on a sluggish pitch, managing only 128-7 despite late fireworks from Abbas Afridi (24* off 9 balls). Openers David Warner (3) and James Vince (4) fell early to precision bowling by Naseem Shah and Jason Holder, both castled by deliveries clipping the top of off-stump. Saad Baig (20 off 17) briefly injected momentum with four boundaries but fell to Shadab’s guile, while Tim Seifert (30 off 37) labored through a 37-ball stay before holing out to Imad Wasim.
Karachi’s middle order crumbled under pressure: Irfan Khan (5) was trapped by a Shadab googly, while Khushdil Shah (17) and Aamer Jamal (7) fell to Naseem and Holder. Abbas Afridi’s explosive cameo, including three sixes off Naseem and Holder, salvaged some pride, but the total proved inadequate.
Bowling Brilliance
Islamabad’s bowlers dictated terms, with Shadab (2-17) and Imad (1-17) stifling the middle overs. Naseem (2-29) and Holder (2-39) struck key blows, while Karachi’s batters managed just 10 boundaries in their innings.
Islamabad’s Commanding Chase: 129/4 in 17.1 Overs
In reply, Islamabad’s chase was anchored by Shadab’s composed 47 (40 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) and Azam Khan’s steady 31 (30 balls). Opener Sahibzada Farhan (30 off 18) blazed five boundaries and a six before Hasan Ali (2-28) removed him and Colin Munro (4) in quick succession.
Shadab and Azam then forged a decisive 65-run partnership, mixing caution with aggression. Azam launched Abbas Afridi for a towering six, while Shadab dominated spinners and pacers alike, including a six off Khushdil Shah. Nabi (1-12) broke the stand by cleaning up Azam, but Shadab’s calculated assault ensured the chase stayed on track. He fell to Abbas with scores level, leaving Mohammad Nawaz (8*) to seal the win.
Key Moments
- Powerplay Struggles: Karachi limped to 41-2 in six overs, losing Warner and Vince early.
- Abbas Afridi’s Late Surge: His 24* off 9 balls included three sixes, lifting Karachi from 102-7.
- Shadab’s All-Round Mastery: A match-defining 47 and 2-17 with the ball earned him Player-of-the-Match honors.
- Hasan Ali’s Double Strike: Dismissing Farhan and Munro briefly revived Karachi’s hopes.
Post-Match Context
Islamabad United’s fourth straight win solidifies their playoff credentials, while Karachi Kings’ erratic form—alternating wins and losses—leaves them searching for stability. The titleholders’ disciplined bowling and Shadab’s leadership underscored their championship pedigree, even on a tricky surface.
SCORECARD SUMMARY
- Karachi Kings: 128-7 (20 overs) – Seifert 30, Abbas 24*; Shadab 2-17, Naseem 2-29.
- Islamabad United: 129-4 (17.1 overs) – Shadab 47, Azam 31; Hasan 2-28, Nabi 1-12.
Result: Islamabad United won by six wickets.
Player of the Match: Shadab Khan.
With this victory, Islamabad United reaffirmed their dominance, while Karachi Kings face mounting pressure to revive their campaign in the remaining fixtures.
