Rawalpindi, May 19, 2025: Explosive half-centuries from openers Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan powered defending champions Islamabad United to a commanding 251/5 against Karachi Kings in Match 30 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Opting to bowl first, Kings captain David Warner saw his decision backfire as United’s openers tore into the bowling attack from the outset. The duo stitched together a record-equalling 153-run opening stand, the joint-highest partnership in Islamabad United’s PSL history.
Farhan was the first to fall, attempting a scoop shot that ended in the hands of Abbas Afridi off Mir Hamza, after a scintillating 73 off 41 balls, featuring 12 boundaries and three sixes — his third fifty-plus score of the season.
United then suffered a brief hiccup, losing Rassie van der Dussen (1) and Salman Ali Agha (7) in quick succession, slumping to 172/3 in the 15th over.
However, Hales continued to dominate, smashing 88 off just 35 deliveries, with six fours and eight towering sixes, before falling to Khushdil Shah in the 17th over.
Skipper Shadab Khan took charge in the final overs, contributing a brisk 42-run cameo before being run out in the final over. He also forged a valuable 38-run stand with Haider Ali, who remained unbeaten on 19 off 9, including a boundary and a six.
For Karachi Kings, Aamir Jamal, Khushdil Shah, and Mir Hamza claimed one wicket each, but the bowlers struggled to contain United’s onslaught.
Islamabad’s imposing total of 251 now leaves Karachi with a mammoth chase as they look to end the group stage on a high.
