PSL 2025, Match 10 Review: Islamabad United edge out Karachi Kings in low-scoring thriller

PSL 2025, Match 10 Review: Islamabad United edge out Karachi Kings in low-scoring thriller (Photo Source - PCB)

Islamabad United continued their unbeaten run in the with a comfortable six-wicket win over Karachi Kings in a low-scoring contest at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday, April 20. The victory, their fourth in as many games, saw them become the only undefeated side in the tournament so far.

Opting to bowl first despite many teams favouring batting first, Islamabad’s decision was on point. Naseem Shah drew the first blood, cleaning up Karachi skipper David Warner with a slower delivery, and Jason Holder followed up by rattling James Vince's off stump.

The Karachi batting unit never really found momentum. Islamabad’s bowlers restricted the Kings to just 29 runs in the first five overs. Spinners Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan then took control of the middle overs, conceding just 34 runs in eight overs while picking up three wickets. Shadab ended with figures of 2 for 17 and removing Saad Baig and Irfan Khan. Only Abbas Afridi’s late cameo of 24* off 9 balls pushed Karachi’s total to 128/7 in their 20 overs.

In reply, Sahibzada Farhan continued his dream run with a 30 off 18 balls to give a solid start. Though Hasan Ali briefly lifted Karachi spirits with a double-strike, removing Farhan and Colin Munro in the fifth over, the experienced pair of Azam Khan and skipper Shadab stabilized the innings.

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Azam played a knock of 31 off 30 balls, holding one end, while Shadab led from the front, with a 47 after facing 40 deliveries. Their 65-run partnership off 52 deliveries took the team to a winning position. Afridi bowled Shadab with the scores level, but the match had been decided by them. Mohammad Nawaz pushed the next delivery for a single to seal the win with 17 balls to spare, as the defending champions maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.