PSL 11: Islamabad United defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen by 8 wickets 

Karachi (Web Desk): Islamabad United delivered a dominant performance on Friday as they defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by eight wickets in the 36th match of the eleventh season of Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium.

With this win—United’s fifth in the ongoing eight-team competition—the three-time champions confirmed their qualification for the playoffs, joining table leaders Peshawar Zalmi and former champions Multan Sultans.

Chasing a very small target of 81 runs, Islamabad United completed the job comfortably, reaching the total in just 6.4 overs with eight wickets in hand and 80 deliveries still unused.

Their chase did not begin ideally, as opener Devon Conway was dismissed without scoring on the second ball of the innings.

However, the setback was quickly recovered as Sameer Minhas and Mohsin Riaz took control and built a strong 79-run partnership for the second wicket. Riaz was the more aggressive of the two, smashing 42 off only 18 balls, decorated with six fours and two sixes, before being sent back by Mohammad Ali.

Minhas held firm at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 27 from 20 balls, including three fours and a six. Captain Shadab Khan then wrapped up the match immediately, striking a boundary off his first delivery to complete the victory.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Mohammad Ali was the only bowler who managed to make any real impact, claiming both wickets to fall.

Earlier in the match, Shadab Khan’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as Islamabad United’s attack completely dismantled the Kingsmen, bowling them out for just 80 runs in 15.5 overs.

The innings collapsed right from the start when Gleeson struck on the first ball, removing Maaz Sadaqat for a duck. He continued his early onslaught by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for five and Saim Ayub for 12 in his next spells, leaving the opposition struggling at 24 for 3.

After the fast bowling damage, the spin combination of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim took control and tore through the batting lineup. Both bowlers picked up three wickets each, further deepening the collapse despite some resistance from Usman Khan.

Usman fought a lone battle for Kingsmen, staying unbeaten on 25 off 35 deliveries, but lacked support from the other end. Only Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera, and Asif Mehmood reached double figures, scoring 12 runs apiece.

For Islamabad United, Gleeson, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan all finished with three wickets each, while Salman Mirza added one wicket to complete a clinical bowling display.