Brilliant batting show from Colin Munro and Alex Hales helped Islamabad United to a thumping seven-wicket triumph over hosts Karachi Kings in the 15th Match of the HBL PSL 9 at National Bank Stadium Karachi on Wednesday night.
Openers Colin Munro and Alex Hales provided a tremendous start to Islamabad United, who lost just three wickets to chase the target of 166 runs for the loss of three wickets in 18.3 overs. Munro top-scored with 82 runs off 47 balls with the help of eight fours and four sixes while Alex Hales struck 35-ball 47 runs, laced with seven boundaries. Agha Salman (25) and captain Shadab Khan (10) comfortably chased the target for their side in 18.3 overs. For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali, Tabraiz Shamsi and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket each.
Earlier opting to bat first, Karachi Kings set a competitive score of 165/5, thanks to a vital unbeaten partnership between Kieron Pollard and Mohammad Irfan Khan. The Kings faced an early setback when opener Tim Seifert was dismissed for 8 by Imad Wasim, leaving the team at 17/1 in the third over.
The early loss brought captain Shan Masood and Leus du Plooy together, who briefly stabilized the innings by adding 40 runs in just five overs. However, their partnership was cut short when Salman Ali Agha bowled du Plooy for 24, off just 15 balls, including four fours.
Masood, attempting to anchor the innings, fell to Hunain Shah after contributing 27 runs off 30 balls, adorned with three fours. The Kings’ lineup wobbled further, losing Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Nawaz for six runs each, which saw them reduced to 89/5 by the 13.1 overs.
Facing a precarious situation, Pollard and Irfan crafted a resilient sixth-wicket stand, amassing 76 runs to push the Kings past the 160 mark. Pollard, the more aggressive of the duo, remained unbeaten at 48 off 28 deliveries, embellishing his innings with two fours and a six. Irfan complemented well with an unbeaten 27 from 22 balls, including four boundaries. Islamabad United’s bowlers managed to claim a wicket apiece, with Imad, Naseem Shah, Agha, and Hunain Shah each taking down a batsman.