Karachi: Islamabad United Thursday defeated Karachi Kings by four wickets in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League's (PSL) eighth edition at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi. Colin Munro and Azam Khan powered Islamabad United to a victory over Karachi Kings, the second defeat on their home ground.

Opting to bowl first, the Shadab Khan-led Islamabad restricted Karachi to a target of 174 runs before chasing down the target in 18.2 overs. Chasing the decent target, Munro put Islamabad in control after hitting 58 runs off just 28 balls, while Azam smashed a blistering 44 runs off 28 balls.

Munro hit five boundaries and five maximums before being bowled out, following a mix-up between him and Azam. Mohammad Amir and Musa Khan gave Karachi early breakthroughs.

The left-arm pacer, Amir, sent Hassan Nawaz (7) packing with a short delivery after the young batter hit him for a four.

Meanwhile, Musa, who previously represented Islamabad, got the better of the dangerous batter Paul Stirling after he scored four runs. After the two pacers claimed two quick wickets, skipper Imad Wasim bowled Rassie van der Dussen for 31 runs to break the 59-run partnership between the South African and Colin Munro. For Karachi, Musa and Amir took two wickets, while Imad claimed one. Earlier, Haider Ali starred as Karachi Kings set Islamabad United a 174-run target.

Haider completed his half-century to put Karachi Kings in a strong position after losing Sharjeel Khan. The batter hit seven fours and two maximums to score 59 runs off 45 balls. But, he fell to Faheem Ashraf. The former Peshawar Zalmi batter took on Islamabad's skipper Shadab Khan, hitting him for boundaries. The all-rounder conceded 40 runs and went wicketless. Following Haider's departure, Wasim struck twice in an over by taking Matthew Wade's and Imad Wasim's wickets.

The Australian batter could score only 18 runs, while skipper Imad, who smashed 80 runs in Karachi's opener against Peshawar, was sent back for a golden duck. The right-arm pacer put a halt to the Karachi Kings' effort to score big against Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik, who scored 18 runs, fell to Rumman Raees. After a fiery start, opener Sharjeel Khan (34) was sent back to the pavilion by Tom Curran.

To begin proceedings, experienced pacer Rumman Raees announced his comeback to Islamabad United by giving his side an early breakthrough. The left-arm pacer bowled James Vince (4) with an extraordinary in-swinging delivery on the last bowl of his first over. For Islamabad United, Wasim, Rumman Raees and Curran took two wickets each, while Ashraf claimed a scalp.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 17 2023

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