Islamabad United, twice reigning Pakistan Super League champions, defeated Karachi Kings for the fifth time in a row with a convincing 42-run victory.
Pakistan T20 skipper Babar Azam will lead his team to Lahore next week for the last PSL leg with no points. The Karachi Kings team is in danger of going home if they suffer one more loss.
Islamabad United’s Captain Shadab Khan, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, continued his excellent all-rounder performance. Shadab’s leg-spin bowling kept Karachi at 135-9 in the uninspiring chase. Shadab raised his wickets tally to 14 in the ongoing PSL.
Earlier, Islamabad’s experienced Twenty20 top order struck 177-6 on a sluggish and dry pitch with Paul Stirling hitting 39 and Shadab smashing 34 off 19 balls in his last PSL game of the season.
For national duty, Stirling will return to Ireland. Islamabad United moved up to No. 2 in the rankings, four points behind Multan Sultans, thanks to the opening batsman’s 187 runs in five PSL games.
Babar claimed his team lacked self-confidence.
Babar, who had a terrific game despite his teammates’ lacklustre efforts, promised to instil more confidence in the team moving forward.
He stated it was unfortunate that they have lost so many matches.
Injury-hit Mohammad Amir’s absence from the league has made it difficult for Karachi to challenge opponents at home.
Shadab and Colin Munro were both caught by Babar as Chris Jordan (2-36) took two late wickets in his debut game for England before Azam Khan hit 16 from only seven balls to improve Islamabad’s total.
When Karachi lost Babar (#8) and Sharjeel Khan (#6) during the batting power play, it struggled. During the fifth over, Mohammad Wasim removed the off stump of Babar after a mix-up with Sharjeel’s skipper.
Before Mohammad Nabi put up an undefeated stand of 47 off 28 balls against Shadab’s crisp googlies and leg spinners, the middle order was smashed.
