Karachi Kings suffered a third consecutive defeat in the HBL Pakistan Super League as Islamabad United comfortably chased a target of 151 with eight wickets in hand and four overs remaining at the National Bank Stadium.
The defeat deepened Karachi’s struggles in the tournament, leaving their playoff hopes in serious doubt, while Islamabad United moved up to second place in the standings.
Batting first on a two-paced pitch offering assistance to spinners, Karachi Kings posted 150 for 6 in their 20 overs. Reeza Hendricks top-scored with an unbeaten 51 off 44 balls, holding the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Jason Roy provided early momentum with a brisk 39 off 27 deliveries, while Azam Khan added 34 off 29 balls. However, the middle order failed to accelerate, with Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, and Moeen Ali all falling cheaply as Islamabad’s bowlers maintained tight control.
Richard Gleeson led the bowling attack with figures of 2 for 22, while Shadab Khan also took 2 for 28, using variations effectively. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Hasnain supported well with disciplined spells.
In response, Islamabad United made a flying start, with Devon Conway and debutant Sameer Minhas putting together a 93-run opening partnership inside 10 overs.
Sameer impressed on debut with a rapid 58 off 36 balls, striking 10 boundaries and dominating the Kings’ attack with aggressive stroke play all around the ground. Conway provided steady support, finishing unbeaten on 53 off 36 balls as he anchored the chase.
After Sameer’s dismissal, Shadab Khan finished the game in style, scoring an unbeaten 31 off 16 deliveries, including multiple boundaries and sixes to close out the match comfortably.
Karachi’s bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs, with none of the bowlers able to consistently apply pressure on the Islamabad batting lineup.
The win further strengthened Islamabad United’s position in the PSL standings, while Karachi Kings continued their slide with another disappointing performance.