The Karachi Kings’ inconsistent performance in the Pakistan Super League continued on Friday as they were defeated by Islamabad United by six wickets. With four balls left in the game, the Shadab Khan-led team had effectively chased down a massive 202-run target thanks to explosive wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan’s unbeaten 72 off just 41 deliveries. Alex Hales (34 off 16 balls) and Faheem Ashraf (41 off 32 balls) also made significant contributions. Asif Ali hit a six and a four off the first two balls of the final over to give United the victory when 8 runs were still needed.
Earlier, Karachi fell for the sixth time in eight games despite captain Imad Wasim’s 92 not out off 54 balls helping his team to 201-5.
Due to groin pain, fast bowler Mohammad Amir of Karachi was unable to stop Azam or Ashraf from chasing down runs. On the last over, Ashraf was run out, and Asif Ali subsequently defeated Aamer Yameen with a six and a four to secure the victory.
The top order of Karachi, which chose to bat first, struggled against Islamabad’s pace. Shadab Khan, the captain of Islamabad, put more breaks on with a productive 0-21 from his four overs.
The top order of Karachi, which chose to bat first, struggled against Islamabad’s pace. Shadab Khan, the captain of Islamabad, put more breaks on with a productive 0-21 from his four overs.
Imad and Irfan Khan’s 99-run fifth-wicket stand-off 56 balls provided Karachi with new life. Imad scored 82 runs in the final six overs by hitting 11 fours and two sixes against the Islamabad fast bowlers.
