League leaders break trend as chasing teams start winning in PSL.
Shadab Powers United
Islamabad United dominated PSL 2025, crushing Karachi Kings by seven wickets on Sunday night. They chased 128 with ease, finishing the match with three overs left. Shadab Khan starred, claiming 2 for 17 and scoring a composed 47 off 40 balls. United’s win defied the recent PSL chasing trend, where teams batting second often struggled. Their bowlers choked the Kings’ batting lineup, taking wickets at regular intervals.
United won the toss and chose to bowl first, reversing the popular batting-first strategy in PSL 2025. Naseem Shah struck early, dismissing David Warner with a slower ball that jagged in sharply. Jason Holder continued the assault, uprooting James Vince’s off stump with seam movement. This early double blow stunned Karachi Kings and gave United a dominant start.
Islamabad United restricted Karachi to just 29 runs in the powerplay. Their bowlers maintained tight lines, denying Kings any explosive start. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim built pressure with spin after the powerplay. The pair took three wickets and gave away just 34 runs in eight overs. Only Saad Baig, with 20 off 17, scored at a strike rate above 100.
A Glimmer for Kings
Abbas Afridi smashed two sixes off Naseem Shah in the final overs. He scored a fiery 24* from just 9 balls to push Kings past 120. Despite that late burst, the total felt too low for Islamabad United. United, known for chasing small targets smartly, showed complete control again. Sahibzada Farhan blasted 30 off 18, breaking the back of the run chase. Azam Khan opened with Farhan but played a calm anchoring role throughout.
Hasan Ali struck twice in one over to dismiss Farhan and Colin Munro. Those breakthroughs gave Karachi Kings a brief moment of hope in PSL 2025. United responded like true T20 pros, avoiding risky shots and settling in. They ensured no further collapses while keeping the chase smooth and measured.
Shadab Khan and Azam Khan built a 65-run stand off 52 balls. Their calm partnership drained all pressure from the modest T20 chase. With scores level, Afridi bowled Shadab out for 47, denying him a fifty. Shadab’s smile with Afridi said it all; United had already won. The winning run came next ball, confirming United’s fourth straight win in PSL 2025.
