Islamabad United 79-run win over Karachi Kings secured them a spot in Qualifier 1, pushing Kings to the Eliminator. This emphatic victory saw United dominate with both bat and ball at the Pindi ground.
Hales and Farhan Power Record Stand
A stunning 153-run opening partnership between Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan set the tone early. Their intent was evident from the start as Farhan struck three boundaries in the first over. Hales responded in kind, smashing two fours and a six in the second. Both batters kept rotating strike and finding the boundary, punishing every loose delivery.
Farhan’s 28-ball fifty was followed by a brutal assault from Hales, who slammed 88 off just 35 balls. The pair helped United storm to 130 in 10 overs. Even after their dismissals, the momentum stayed alive. Shadab Khan’s quick-fire 42 off 19 deliveries, laced with sixes and fours, pushed the total to 251 for 5.
Islamabad United’s Spinners Trigger Collapse
Chasing 252, Karachi Kings needed 204 to maintain their top-two hopes. David Warner and Tim Seifert offered some early resistance. However, the introduction of spin changed the game’s course completely. After Seifert’s dismissal, James Vince and Warner failed to hold firm.
Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan dismantled the middle order with precision. Shadab, especially, stood out by taking four wickets in two overs. The Kings collapsed from 80 for 1 to 114 for 8, a fall that defined the match’s outcome.
Islamabad United Hold Nerve Despite Late Hitting
Though Abbas Afridi and Aamer Jamal attempted a late surge, it came too late. Afridi’s 24-run assault in Shadab’s final over raised slight concerns. But Islamabad United 79-run win over Karachi Kings was never truly in doubt.
Dominant Islamabad United Eye Final Berth
With this win, Islamabad United will now face Quetta Gladiators in Qualifier 1. The Islamabad United 79-run win over Karachi Kings not only sealed second place but also displayed their all-round strength heading into the playoffs.
