KK vs IU PSL 2025: In a masterful exhibition of all-around cricket, Islamabad United maintained their dominant streak in the PSL 2025, winning convincingly against Karachi Kings by seven wickets.
Going against the trend of teams finding it difficult to chase, United made the daring choice to bowl first after winning the toss and clinically limited the Kings to a humble total of 128. With the inspired efforts of Shadab Khan, both with bat and ball, Islamabad romped to victory with three overs to spare, further establishing themselves as the team to beat in the tournament.
Shadab Khan Shines with Ball and Bat
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Shadab Khan was the player of the match in KK vs IU PSL 2025, contributing equally to Islamabad United’s bowling and batting efforts. He began with the ball, conceding 17 runs and taking 2 wickets in his four overs, laying vital groundwork in breaking through the Kings’ lineup during their innings.
His Bowling efforts held Karachi to a measly 128, even as Abbas Afridi had one last flourish late in the innings.
Shadab was equally calm in the chase, registering a gritty 47 off 40 balls, holding the innings together and steering United to a comfortable win. His performance exemplified the side’s balanced game, both with bat and ball contributing to their dominance.
Karachi Kings Batting Struggle
As relatively comfortable odds-on favorites to bat first, the Karachi Kings never got started after being put off their run scoring, with just 29 runs in the first six overs before power-play was somehow allowed to drag on for one more over.
Naseem Shah and Jason Holder held the Karachi top order back. Shah opened the scoring with a brilliant slower ball, taking out David Warner, while a brilliant delivery from Holder got rid of James Vince, crashing one over the off-stump seam away for a wicket.
The Kings’ middle order struggles continued with Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim sealing an incredibly important deal, taking 3 wickets for just 34 total runs, bowling with only eight percent of the overs. The Kings’ batters, with the exception for some resistance shown by Saad Baig for 20 off 17, were unable to acquire any runs through the line.
It was not until the last two overs that Karachi made a dent, Abbas Afridi dispatching two sixes off Naseem Shah to finish on an unbeaten 24 from 9 balls, taking the Kings’ total over 120. Still, it was apparent that this score would not be sufficient to pose a threat to Islamabad United, who have become proficient at chasing low scores.
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United Chase Down the Total with Ease
Responding to the challenge, Islamabad United started their chase confidently. Sahibzada Farhan, having the season of his life, had a flash 30 off 18 balls that gave the chase its momentum. His attacking opening made sure the asking rate never threatened, and United’s chase got off to a flying start.
Despite Azam Khan’s initial restraint, he played the anchor in the run chase. Although Hasan Ali picked two quick wickets in an over, dismissing Farhan and Colin Munro, it was too late for Karachi. United kept their nerves and did not throw away their wickets, as Shadab Khan and Azam Khan shared a crucial 65-run partnership from 52 balls, taking the game away from the Kings.
A Glimmer of Hope for Karachi
Though Hasan Ali’s two-wicket burst briefly sparked some hope for Karachi Kings, dismissing both Farhan and Munro, Islamabad United’s composure never wavered.
With the score level, and Shadab Khan just three runs away from a well-deserved half-century, Abbas Afridi had a final chance to make an impact. He bowled a crucial delivery to dismiss Shadab, but it was evident from the rueful smile exchanged between the two that Islamabad had already gained the upper hand.
The winning run was scored off the next ball, securing Islamabad United’s fourth victory in four matches in PSL 2025. Their clinical performance demonstrated why they are the team to beat, continuing to top the league with a nearly flawless record.
United’s Unstoppable Momentum in PSL 2025
The KK vs IU PSL 2025 match showcased Islamabad United’s robust all-round performance, where they dominated both with bat and ball. Shadab Khan’s captaincy and outstanding individual performances were the standout features, and his all-around efforts were the deciding factors in United’s thorough win over Karachi Kings.
This win solidifies Islamabad United’s lead at the top of the table and demonstrates their capacity to win low-score chases, an area where other sides have faltered this year. With the team not slowing up, Islamabad United will be a force to reckon with as the PSL 2025 keeps going.
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