United storm into playoffs with crushing win over Kingsmen

KARACHI: Three-time champions Islamabad United delivered a complete performance to dismantle Hyderabad Kingsmen by eight wickets in the 36th match of Pakistan Super League Season 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday, sealing their place in the playoffs.

With this emphatic victory, United registered their fifth win of the campaign and joined Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans in the knockout stage.

After opting to field first, United captain Shadab Khan saw his decision pay off instantly as his bowlers tore through the Kingsmen batting lineup, bundling them out for a meagre 80 in just 15.5 overs.

The collapse began dramatically when pacer Richard Gleeson struck on the very first ball, dismissing Maaz Sadaqat for a duck. He continued his fiery spell by removing Marnus Labuschagne and Saim Ayub in quick succession, reducing Kingsmen to 24/3.

United’s dominance continued through their spin attack as Shadab and Imad Wasim shared six wickets between them, dismantling the middle and lower order. Despite a resilient effort from Usman Khan, who remained unbeaten on 25, Kingsmen never recovered from the early blows.

Chasing a modest target of 81, United had a minor hiccup early on when Devon Conway was dismissed for a duck. However, the pair of Sameer Minhas and Mohsin Riaz ensured there were no further surprises.

Riaz played an aggressive knock of 42 off just 18 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes, effectively sealing the game. Minhas supported him well with an unbeaten 27, guiding United to the target with 80 balls to spare.

Skipper Shadab finished things in style, striking a boundary off his very first delivery to wrap up a dominant win.

For Kingsmen, Mohammad Ali was the lone bright spot with two wickets, but the total proved far too small to defend.

The comprehensive victory highlights Islamabad United’s strong momentum heading into the playoffs, with both their bowling and batting units firing at the right time.