Shadab Shines in All-Round Show as Islamabad United Cruise Past Karachi Kings

Shadab Shines in All-Round Show as Islamabad United Cruise Past Karachi Kings

Islamabad United cemented their status as the team to beat in PSL 2025, securing a commanding six-wicket win over Karachi Kings at the National Stadium in Karachi. Defying the recent trend of teams struggling while chasing, United comfortably overhauled a modest 129-run target, led by a composed all-round performance from their captain, Shadab Khan.

Shadab Leads from the Front

Shadab Khan continued to elevate his all-round credentials in the tournament, delivering a match-winning performance with both bat and ball. After returning impressive figures of 2 for 17 in his four overs, he followed it up with a steady 47 off 40 balls, anchoring the chase with maturity and poise. His 65-run partnership with Azam Khan (31 off 34) took the sting out of Karachi's bowling attack and ensured a smooth finish for United.

Although Shadab missed out on a half-century by three runs, bowled by Abbas Afridi with the scores level, his contribution had already sealed the result. The winning run was completed the very next ball, confirming United's fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.

Early Wickets Stifle Karachi

Opting to field first, Islamabad struck early through Naseem Shah, who cleaned up David Warner with a deceptive slower ball. Jason Holder then sent James Vince's off stump cartwheeling to leave Karachi wobbling. The early blows set the tone, and the Kings never quite recovered.

Spin twins Shadab and Imad Wasim tightened the screws in the middle overs, conceding just 34 runs between them in eight overs while taking three wickets. The Kings' top order struggled to accelerate, with only Saad Baig (20 off 17) managing a strike rate over 100 among the top seven.

Late Surge Not Enough

It was a late burst from Abbas Afridi that gave the Kings some hope. Afridi smashed an unbeaten 24 off just 9 deliveries, including two sixes off Naseem Shah, to lift the total to 128/7. But it was always going to be a tall ask to defend such a total against United’s in-form batting line-up.

Farhan Sparkles, Hasan Offers Brief Hope

Sahibzada Farhan continued his fine form in PSL 2025 with a brisk 30 off 18 balls, setting the tempo early in the chase. Though Hasan Ali provided a glimmer of hope for Karachi with a double-wicket over — removing both Farhan and Colin Munro — United's deep batting lineup ensured there were no further hiccups.

The experienced heads of Shadab and Azam guided the chase with composure, expertly nullifying the Karachi bowling threat and denying them any momentum.

Match Summary:
Karachi Kings – 128/7 (Seifert 30, Abbas 24*, Shadab 2/17)
Islamabad United – 129/4 in 17 overs (Shadab 47, Azam 31, Hasan 2/28)
Result – Islamabad United won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match – Shadab Khan

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