PSL 10: Islamabad United set 252-run target for Karachi Kings 

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Islamabad United set a target of 252 runs for Karachi Kings in the 30th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The decision by Kings’ captain David Warner to field first after winning the toss proved costly as United piled on 251 for 5 in their 20 overs, powered by explosive performances from their top order.

United’s innings got off to a sensational start thanks to a new opening combination of Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan, who tore into the Karachi bowling attack. The duo stitched together a blistering 153-run stand, equaling the franchise’s highest-ever partnership in PSL history.

Farhan, in excellent touch throughout the tournament, continued his fine form by smashing 73 off 41 balls, a knock that included 12 boundaries and three towering sixes. His innings ended in the 12th over when he attempted to scoop a delivery from Mir Hamza over fine leg but ended up giving a simple catch to Abbas Afridi.

After Farhan’s dismissal, United suffered a brief hiccup, losing two more wickets in quick succession. Rassie van der Dussen managed just a single run, while Salman Ali Agha fell for seven, leaving the hosts at 172 for 3 in the 15th over. Hales, however, remained the centerpiece of the innings with a breathtaking 88 off just 35 balls, featuring six fours and eight sixes. His onslaught ended when Khushdil Shah finally broke through, giving Karachi a much-needed breakthrough.

With Hales gone, captain Shadab Khan took charge and injected fresh momentum into the innings. He hammered a quick-fire 42 off 19 deliveries before being run out in the final over. His aggressive knock was instrumental in maintaining the high scoring rate and included a valuable 38-run stand with Haider Ali, who remained unbeaten on 19 off nine balls, striking a four and a six.

Karachi Kings’ bowlers struggled throughout the innings, with Aamir Jamal, Khushdil Shah, and Mir Hamza managing a wicket apiece. Despite their efforts, Islamabad’s relentless hitting and partnerships kept the scoreboard ticking at a blistering pace. With a daunting target of 252 now in front of them, the pressure will be squarely on Karachi Kings to respond in kind in what promises to be a high-scoring encounter.

Teams 

Islamabad United: Alex Hales, Sahibzada Farhan, Rassie van der Dussen, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Ben Dwarshuis, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Salman Irshad and Tymal Mills.

Karachi Kings: David Warner, Tim Seifert, James Vince, Saad Baig, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza.