Islamabad United kept their playoff hopes firmly on track with a dominant eight-wicket triumph over Hyderabad Kingsmen in Karachi, finishing the chase of 81 in just 6.4 overs. The win was not only emphatic but also historic, marking the biggest success in PSL terms when measured by balls left in the contest. Hyderabad, sent in first, struggled from the outset and were bowled out for 80 in 15.5 overs—the lowest team total of the season, and the fifth-lowest figure in PSL history.
Richard Gleeson delivered the early breakthroughs that set the tone, striking in both the first and third overs to remove Marnus Labuschagne and Saim Ayub. Momentum then swung further as Shadab Khan produced a damaging spell, taking two wickets in a single over, while Imad Wasim continued to apply pressure with regular strikes. By the time Hyderabad had reached 42/5, the innings had effectively slipped out of their grasp. Usman Khan was the lone batter to offer sustained resistance, remaining unbeaten on 25 as Shadab and Imad tore through the middle and lower order, taking three wickets each.
Islamabad’s pursuit started with a setback, as Devon Conway was dismissed early. However, debutant Mohsin Riaz ensured the chase stayed under control and quickly removed any lingering doubts about the outcome. Riaz struck 42 off only 18 deliveries, finding the boundary 12 times in total with six fours and two sixes, and then stitched a crucial 79-run stand for the second wicket with Sameer Minhas, who finished unbeaten on 27. Although Mohsin was eventually dismissed in the seventh over, the job was already well underway, and Shadab sealed matters with a boundary just two balls later.
With the result, Islamabad became the third side to secure a place in the playoffs. Hyderabad, meanwhile, remain locked on eight points alongside Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings, with the race for the final qualification spot set to stay tightly contested.
Brief scores: Hyderabad Kingsmen 80 all out (15.5 overs) — Usman Khan 25*; Richard Gleeson 3/9, Shadab Khan 3/13, Imad Wasim 3/21. Islamabad United 83/2 (6.4 overs) — Mohsin Riaz 42; Mohammad Ali 2/29. Islamabad won by eight wickets.
