KARACHI – Power hitters Colin Munro, and Azam Khan ensured Islamabad United kickstarted their Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight campaign with a thumping four-wicket victory over Karachi Kings.
Chasing 174, Shadab Khan-led side completed the run chase in the 19th over for the loss of six wickets with Colin Munro making waves with an astonishing half-ton.
United faced initial blows as openers Hassan Nawaz and Paul Stirling returned early. Kiwi star Munro then displayed A-game, stitching a decent partnership with Rassie van der Dussen before the latter was caught by Kings skipper Imad Wasim.
Colin then continued momentum with flamboyant batter Azam Khan and put visiting side in command as the duo raked 56 in 32 deliveries. Khan also contributed with his top shots before finally returning in the 16th as he missed half century.
Karachi Kings star pacers Mohammad Amir and Musa got two scalps each for the Kings, while Imad outfoxed one.
.@KarachiKingsARY went all out with the bat and ball but @IsbUnited had all the answers! #HBLPSL8 l #SabSitarayHumaray l #KKvIU pic.twitter.com/dqUEIoGLbj
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 16, 2023
After being invited to bat first, the home side garnered 173 courtesy of Haider Ali. Karachi Kings openers too returned early for a mere five runs in the first over. Later, Haider gained momentum with Sharjeel Khan and performed well.
They added 77 before Curran outfoxed Sharjeel to hand the visitors a much-needed advance in the fourth game. Haider then registered half ton in 38 deliveries with Matthew Wade before being caught by Faheem Ashraf.
After Haider’s departure, Kings battling line collapsed around 15th over the game. For Islamabad United, Rumman Raees, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Curran got two scalps each while Faheem Ashraf got one wicket.
.@KarachiKingsARY showing who’s boss 😱#HBLPSL8 I #SabSitarayHumaray l #KKvIU pic.twitter.com/pOAerTBSgk
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 16, 2023
Squads
Islamabad United: Hassan Nawaz, Paul Stirling, Colin Munro, Rassie Van der Dussen, Shadab Khan (capt), Azam Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Tom Curran, Wasim Jr and Rumman Raees.
Karachi Kings: Sharjeel Khan, James Vince, Mathew Wade (wk), Haider Ali, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim (C), James Fuller, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mohammad Amir, Andrew Tye, Musa Khan
