KARACHI: Islamabad United maintained their perfect run in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2025, securing their fourth straight win with a dominant six-wicket victory over Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday night.
Despite playing in front of a supportive home crowd, the Kings put on a disappointing display, struggling on a slow surface to post just 128-7 after being sent in to bat. Islamabad, in contrast, chased down the target with ease, reaching 129-4 with 17 balls to spare.
Karachi’s Batting Woes Continue
Karachi’s innings never really took off. They lost skipper David Warner and in-form batter James Vince early to two stunning deliveries from Naseem Shah and Jason Holder, respectively. By the end of the powerplay, they had limped to 41-2.
Youngster Saad Baig (20 off 17) showed some promise with a few crisp boundaries but perished to Shadab Khan, while Tim Seifert (30 off 37) struggled for timing before offering a return catch to Imad Wasim.
The middle and lower order crumbled, with Shadab, Naseem, and Holder striking at regular intervals. Only a late blitz from Abbas Afridi (24 off 9, three sixes and a four) helped Karachi cross the 120-run mark.
Shadab, Azam Lead United to Victory
Chasing 129, Islamabad openers gave them a solid start with Sahibzada Farhan scoring a brisk 30, including five boundaries and a six. Though Hasan Ali briefly gave Karachi hope with two quick wickets — removing Farhan and Colin Munro in the same over — United’s skipper Shadab Khan and Azam Khan took control.
The pair stitched together a 65-run stand, mixing caution with aggression. Azam smashed a six and three fours in his 31 before falling to Mohammad Nabi, while Shadab (47 off 40) played a captain’s knock, hitting five fours and two sixes before being bowled with the scores level. Mohammad Nawaz saw the chase through comfortably.
Score Summary
Karachi Kings 128-7 (20 overs)
Top scorers: Tim Seifert 30, Abbas Afridi 24*
Best bowlers: Shadab Khan 2-17, Naseem Shah 2-29, Holder 2-39
Islamabad United 129-4 (17.1 overs)
Top scorers: Shadab Khan 47, Azam Khan 31
Best bowlers: Hasan Ali 2-28, Mohammad Nabi 1-12
Result: Islamabad United won by six wickets
Player of the Match: Shadab Khan
With this win, United strengthen their position at the top of the table, while Karachi continue their inconsistent campaign, alternating wins and losses.
