RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United showcased a balanced performance with both bat and ball, securing a crucial five-wicket victory over Karachi Kings in the 24th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Facing a target of 151 runs, Islamabad United efficiently chased down the total, reaching 151/5 with eight balls to spare.
Colin Munro contributed 9 runs, while Alex Hales scored 18, Salman Ali Agha added 33, Haider Ali notched up 26, and Faheem Ashraf contributed 12 runs to the team’s total.
Mir Hamza from Karachi Kings displayed an impressive performance with the ball, claiming 3 wickets, while Muzarabani and Zahid Mehmood each took one wicket.
Islamabad United successfully achieved the target in 18.4 overs with the loss of five wickets.
In the first innings, Karachi Kings, after electing to bat first, posted a total of 150/7 in their allotted 20 overs, anchored by a composed innings from Keiron Pollard.
Facing a shaky start, Karachi Kings lost their captain Shan Masood early in the fifth over, managing only 10 runs off 12 deliveries.
Faheem Ashraf struck again in the subsequent over, further denting Karachi Kings’ momentum as they slipped to 43/2 in 6.4 overs.
Despite the setbacks, Pollard and James Vince composed a remarkable recovery, adding 58 runs in a brisk partnership. Vince played an anchoring role, scoring 29 off 27 deliveries.
Pollard emerged as the top-scorer for Karachi Kings with an impressive 39 off 28 balls, including three boundaries and three sixes.
Islamabad United’s bowling attack was led by Tymal Mills, who claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs, supported by Faheem Ashraf with 2 wickets for 16 runs.
Faheem Ashraf was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.
The victory strengthens Islamabad United’s position in the PSL standings, enhancing their prospects for the playoffs.
Islamabad United Team
Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Matthew Forde, Hunain Shah, and Tymal Mills
Karachi Kings Team
Shan Masood (c), Tim Seifert (wk), James Vince, Shoaib Malik, Kieron Pollard, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Nawaz, Hassan Ali, Zahid Mehmood, Mir Hamza, and Blessing Muzarabani
