On May 19, 2025, Islamabad United secured a 79-run victory over Karachi Kings in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, climbing to second place on the points table. The three-time champions’ win ensures a Qualifier clash with Quetta Gladiators on May 21, while the Kings, now third, face Lahore Qalandars in the Eliminator on May 22.
Batting first, United posted 251/5, driven by a record-equalling 153-run opening stand between Alex Hales (88 off 35, 6 fours, 8 sixes) and Sahibzada Farhan (73 off 41, 12 boundaries). Skipper Shadab Khan’s 42-run cameo and Haider Ali’s unbeaten 19 boosted the total, despite wickets from Aamir Jamal, Khushdil Shah, and Mir Hamza.
Karachi Kings’ Collapse
Chasing 252, Karachi Kings started strongly with a 56-run opening partnership by David Warner (43 off 28) and Tim Seifert (26 off 17), per Cricket Pakistan. Salman Irshad’s dismissal of Seifert triggered a collapse, with the Kings slipping to 114/8 by 13.4 overs. Abbas Afridi’s 34 off 13 delayed the inevitable, but Irshad (3 wickets) and Shadab (4 wickets) bowled out the Kings for 172 in 18.4 overs.
Rang Jeet ka 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 hai 🎀
Dressed for a cause, the Red Hot Squad served a sizzling performance to the home crowd. #ApnaXHai | #HBLPSLX I #IUvKK pic.twitter.com/s4VHP2VRyT
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 19, 2025Shadab Khan’s 4/45 and Hales’ explosive 88 earned them player-of-the-match honours, with Imad Wasim (2 wickets) and Salman Ali Agha (1 wicket) contributing. The Kings’ batting faltered under pressure, with Warner’s 43 the standout.
United’s top-two finish positions them for a shot at the PSL 10 final, while the Kings must navigate the Eliminator. The match showcased United’s batting depth and bowling precision, per Espncricinfo, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff phase. As PSL 10 intensifies, fans anticipate high-stakes battles.
