© PSL (PCB)
Date: February 28, 2024
Venue: National Bank Stadium, Karachi
In a thrilling encounter at the National Bank Stadium, Islamabad United emerged victorious against Karachi Kings in the 15th match of HBL PSL 9. The highlight of the game was a scintillating performance by Colin Munro, who earned the Player of the Match title for his pivotal role in guiding Islamabad United to a seven-wicket win.
Karachi Kings Innings
Karachi Kings chose to bat first after winning the toss; Karachi Kings faced an early blow as HBL PSL debutant Tim Seifert made a quick exit, contributing just 8 runs. Despite the early setback, Leus du Plooy and Shan Masood stitched together a 40-run partnership for the second wicket, injecting momentum into the innings. However, Salman Ali Agha cut short du Plooy’s innings at 24, bringing the breakthrough for Islamabad United in the eighth over.
The introduction of Hunain Shah in the 10th over proved effective as he dismissed the Karachi skipper, Shan Masood, who scored 27 off 30 balls. Shoaib Malik’s run-out in the following over compounded Karachi’s troubles, reducing them to 73-4 in 10.1 overs. The middle order struggled further as Mohammad Nawaz departed for 6, caught by Shadab Khan off Naseem Shah’s bowling in the 14th over.
The late resurgence for Karachi Kings came through the explosive partnership between Kieron Pollard (48 not out) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (27 not out). Their unbeaten sixth-wicket stand of 76 runs off 42 deliveries, propelled Karachi to a respectable total of 165-5 at the end of 20 overs. The last four overs proved crucial, yielding 62 runs, with Irfan’s onslaught against Rumman Raees and Pollard’s maximum against Hunain.
Imad Wasim, Hunain Shah, Naseem Shah, and Salman Ali Agha each claimed one wicket for Islamabad United during Karachi Kings’ innings.
Islamabad United’s Chase
Chasing a target of 166, Islamabad United’s openers, Colin Munro and Alex Hales, set the stage on fire with a scintillating 108-run opening stand. The duo exhibited aggressive batting from the outset, announcing their intent with three boundaries in the third over. The powerplay concluded with United comfortably placed at 58 without any loss.
In the eighth over, Tabraiz Shamsi found himself at the receiving end of Colin Munro’s onslaught, conceding three consecutive sixes. Munro, in sublime form, notched up his 11th HBL PSL and 66th T20 career half-century. However, the partnership was disrupted when Alex Hales, on 47, was caught at deep midwicket, becoming Hasan Ali’s 100th HBL PSL victim.
The pace slowed down for Islamabad United after the departure of Hales. Munro, the mainstay of the innings, departed for a commendable 82 off 47 balls, trapped leg-before by Nawaz. The next batsman in, Imad, registered a two-ball duck, caught by Shan off Shamsi’s bowling. Captain Shadab Khan (10 not out) and Salman Ali Agha (25 not out) joined forces in the 16th over, needing just 27 runs to win.
Salman Ali Agha brought the curtains down on the game in style, sealing the victory for Islamabad United with two consecutive sixes in the 19th over. Islamabad chased down the target with considerable ease, finishing with seven wickets in hand.
Hasan Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, and Tabraiz Shamsi claimed a wicket each for Karachi Kings during Islamabad United’s innings.
Key Moments
The match was marked by several key moments, including Munro’s explosive batting, Hasan Ali’s milestone 100th HBL PSL wicket, and the late fireworks by Pollard and Irfan for Karachi Kings.
Player of the Match
Colin Munro’s spectacular innings, comprising 82 runs off 47 balls, earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
Islamabad United’s commanding victory in the Karachi leg opener positions them favourably in the HBL PSL 9. The dynamic performances by Munro and Hales in the batting department, coupled with effective bowling contributions, set the tone for Islamabad United’s second win in the tournament. As the caravan moves forward, the team will seek to maintain this winning momentum in the upcoming fixtures.
Scores in Brief
Karachi Kings: 165-5 in 20 overs (Kieron Pollard 48*, Muhammad Irfan Khan 27*, Salman Ali Agha 1-17)
Islamabad United: 169-3 in 18.3 overs (Colin Munro 82, Alex Hales 47, Mohammad Nawaz 1-23)
Upcoming Fixture
Karachi Kings vs. Quetta Gladiators at National Bank Stadium, Karachi (7 pm)
The forthcoming clash between Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators promises to be another enthralling encounter in the HBL PSL 9 tournament.
