United dazzle with dominant win against Kings to seal No 2 spot

RAWALPINDI: In a high-octane encounter at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Islamabad United delivered a commanding performance to demolish Karachi Kings by a thumping margin of 79 runs in the final pool match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) X.

The emphatic victory not only secured United the second spot on the points table but also reaffirmed their status as serious title contenders. United, asked to bat first, unleashed a batting masterclass, posting a mammoth 251 for 5—one of the highest totals in PSL history. The foundation of the innings was laid by a blistering opening partnership between Alex Hales (88 off 35) and Sahibzada Farhan (73 off 42), who combined for a stunning 153-run stand that left the Kings gasping for breath. Hales lit up the stadium with 8 towering sixes and 6 boundaries, while Farhan anchored the innings with elegance and power, striking 9 fours and 3 sixes.

Skipper Shadab Khan added fuel to the fire with a rapid 42-run cameo, ensuring United’s innings finished with fireworks. The relentless assault left Karachi chasing an improbable 252—a task that proved too tall despite a few valiant efforts.

In reply, the Kings faltered under pressure and could only muster 172, falling well short of the target. Shadab Khan returned to haunt them with the ball, this time claiming 4 wickets for 45 runs, weaving a web with his leg-spin. Salman Irshad provided strong support, snapping up 3 for 28, as Islamabad’s bowling unit kept a firm grip throughout the innings.

For the Kings, David Warner (43) and Abbas Afridi (34) were the only batters to show some resistance, but their efforts weren’t enough to stem the tide. With this clinical win, Islamabad United not only leapfrogged the Kings on the table but also secured the coveted advantage of playing two opportunities to reach the final, alongside top-ranked Quetta Gladiators.

Meanwhile, Karachi Kings now face a do-or-die clash against Lahore Qalandars in Eliminator 1. Unsurprisingly, Alex Hales was named Player of the Match for his explosive innings that set the tone for a memorable victory.

“We put pressure on Kings from the ball 1 and we succeeded in getting a good total which ultimately pinned down Kings,” Hales said. Shadab thanked God Almighty. “We want to continue with the same momentum going into the playoffs,” he said.

Score Islamabad United 251 for 5 in 20 overs (Alex Hales 88, Sahibzada Farhan 73, Shadab Khan 42, Mir Hamza 1-41).

Karachi Kings 172 all out in 18.2 overs (Davis Warner 43, Abbas Afridi 34, Shadab Khan 4-45, Salman Irshad 3-28)

Schedule: (Play off at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)

May 21: Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators (Qualifier)

May 22: Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars (Eliminator 1)