Islamabad United delivered a commanding performance on Monday to thrash Karachi Kings by 79 runs in a crucial Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 encounter at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
With this resounding win, Islamabad not only cemented their second place on the points table but also booked their spot in the playoffs against top-seeded Quetta Gladiators in the Qualifier on Wednesday.
The match saw Islamabad United showcase their dominance right from the outset. Electing to bat first, the home team posted a mammoth 251/5 in their allotted 20 overs — one of the highest team totals in PSL history. The explosive opening partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Alex Hales was the foundation of United’s innings, with the duo amassing 153 runs, equalling the franchise’s highest-ever partnership.
Farhan smashed a quick-fire 73 off 41 balls, hammering 12 boundaries including three sixes. Hales, however, stole the spotlight with a sensational knock of 88 from just 35 balls, featuring six fours and eight towering sixes. Their fireworks helped Islamabad gain early momentum, which the middle order capitalized on. Captain Shadab Khan added 42 in a rapid cameo, while Haider Ali chipped in with an unbeaten 19, guiding Islamabad United to a formidable total.
In reply, Karachi Kings needed 204 runs to retain their second position on the table but faltered under pressure. Their innings began with promise as skipper David Warner and Tim Seifert stitched a brisk 56-run opening stand. However, once Seifert was bowled by Salman Irshad for 26, the Karachi chase unraveled quickly.
Warner top-scored with 43 off 28 balls but found little support from the middle order. His dismissal in the 11th over triggered a collapse that left Karachi reeling at 114/8. Abbas Afridi provided brief resistance with a 13-ball 34, but it was too little, too late. Karachi were bowled out for 172 in the 19th over.
For Islamabad, Shadab Khan was the standout with the ball, claiming four wickets, while Irshad contributed three crucial scalps. Imad Wasim and Salman Ali Agha chipped in with a wicket each to seal the win.
Karachi Kings, now in third place, will face arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on Thursday, hoping to bounce back from the heavy defeat at the hands of Islamabad United.