Islamabad United Storm into Playoffs with Crushing Win against Hyderabad Kingsmen
KARACHI: Islamabad United delivered a commanding all-round display to seal a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the 36th fixture of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.
With this convincing victory, United secured their fifth win of the campaign and booked a place in the playoffs, joining table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi and former champions Multan Sultans.
Chasing a modest target of 81, Islamabad made light work of the total, reaching it with ease while losing just two wickets and with plenty of deliveries to spare.
The chase began on a shaky note as Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck early on. However, Sameer Minhas and Mohsin Riaz steadied the innings with a crucial partnership that brought their side within touching distance of victory. Riaz played an explosive knock of 42 from just 18 balls, smashing six fours and two sixes before being dismissed by Mohammad Ali, who was the only successful bowler for the Kingsmen.
Minhas remained unbeaten on 27 off 20 deliveries, striking three boundaries and a six, while captain Shadab Khan finished things off in style with a boundary off his very first ball.
Earlier, Shadab’s decision to bowl first proved spot on as Islamabad’s bowlers dismantled the Kingsmen batting lineup, restricting them to just 80 runs in 15.5 overs.
The innings got off to a disastrous start when Richard Gleeson removed Maaz Sadaqat on the very first ball. He continued to wreak havoc by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Saim Ayub in quick succession, leaving Kingsmen struggling at 24 for 3.
The early damage was compounded by Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim, who spun a web around the middle and lower order, claiming three wickets each. Despite their efforts, Hyderabad never recovered from the early setbacks.
Usman Khan tried to hold things together with an unbeaten 25 off 35 balls but found little support from the other end. Apart from him, only Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera and Asif Mehmood managed to reach double figures.
For Islamabad, Gleeson, Shadab and Imad picked up three wickets apiece, while Salman Mirza chipped in with one.
Playing XIs:
Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera, Usman Khan (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, Asif Mehmood
Islamabad United: Devon Conway (wk), Sameer Minhas, Mark Chapman, Mohsin Riaz, Shadab Khan (c), Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Salman Mirza
