ISLAMABAD: Azam Khan’s magnificent knock of 72 runs powered Islamabad United to yet another victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) tournament on Friday after Karachi Kings won the toss and set a 202-run target.
Islamabad’s opening batters, Colin Munro (11 off 5) and Alex Hales (34 off 16), hit some glorious shots to rapidly chase the target. However, they lost their wickets by the end of the sixth over when their team had scored 62 runs.
Hales’ departure reduced the pace of the innings, though United found stability after Faheem Ashraf (41 off 32) and Khan (72 off 41) arrived at the crease.
While both batters were instrumental in Islamabad’s victory, it was Khan who led the charge against the Kings’ bowling attack.
Earlier, Karachi skipper Imad Wasim’s outstanding performance with the bat took his team to 201 for 5.
Karachi Kings' captain Imad Wasim (L) celebrates after scoring half century (50 runs) during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 cricket match between Islamabad United and Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi on March 3, 2023. (Photo courtesy: AFP)
The Kings had lost four wickets by the ninth over when Wasim sprang into action and hit 92 off 54 deliveries to massively contribute to his team’s total.
He was also helped by Irfan Khan (30) and Matthew Wade (13) who tried to keep pace with him by hitting a few boundaries.
Wasim hit 11 fours and two sixes to strengthen Karachi’s chances to win the match. However, his power hitting went in vain after his team was convincingly defeated by the rival squad.
The overall performance of Kings has so far remained dismal in the tournament since they have only won two of the eight matches.
Islamabad are still on the upper corner of the points table, as they hope to win the PSL title a third time.
