Karachi Kings were handed their first defeat by Islamabad United in the ongoing PSL. However, they are still leading the points table with 7 points from 5 matches. Islamabad, on the other hand, are just one point short of the league leaders.

Winning the toss on Sunday, Islamabad decided to bowl first. Karachi put 156 runs on the board, thanks to two half-centuries from Khurram Manzoor and Babar Azam. While the other batsmen failed to carry the momentum and keep the score ticking, Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten cameo of 21 from 9 balls lifted the total past the mark of 150.

Among the bowlers of Islamabad, Faheem Ashraf bagged 3 wickets. Mohammad Sami and Hussain Talat also picked up a wicket each for the team.

After a 104-run opening partnership, Islamabad did not have to worry as the Jean-Paul Duminy and Luke Ronchi took the required rate below six runs per over. Ronchi played a quick-fire innings of 71 runs off just 37 balls before getting dismissed by Mohammad Irfan.

Talat was the next batsman to return to the pavilion as Mohammad Amir bowled him out. However, JP Duminy along with Asif Ali prevented further wicket-falls and sealed a victory for their team with 16 balls remaining.

Duminy made 43 runs and remained not out while Asif Ali scored 26 runs including an over-boundary that ensured their victory. Ronchi was awarded the Man of the Match for his destructive innings that was laced with 10 fours and 3 sixes.

Islamabad United will take on Lahore Qalandars in their next match on 8^th March and Karachi Kings will face Quetta Gladiators on the same day.

 

Score:
KRK 153/6 (20.0 Ovs)
ISU 156/2 (17.2 Ovs)
Islamabad United won by 8 wickets