Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings – HBL PSL X Match 10: Shadab Leads ISU to Fourth Win

Shadab Khan Leads From the Front as Islamabad United Crush Karachi Kings for Fourth Straight Win in HBL PSL X

Summary
Islamabad United continue to ride a wave of dominance in HBL PSL X, recording their fourth consecutive victory in emphatic fashion as they dismantled Karachi Kings by six wickets with 17 balls to spare at the National Bank Stadium. The United skipper Shadab Khan delivered a classic all-round performance, scoring 47 off 40 and taking 2 wickets for 17 runs, guiding his team past a modest target of 129. Kings faltered again with the bat, with only Seifert and Abbas Afridi showing glimpses of resistance. This was Islamabad's ninth straight win over Karachi in PSL history.

Scorecard 
Karachi Kings: 128/7 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 30, Abbas Afridi 24*; Shadab Khan 2/17, Naseem Shah 2/29, Jason Holder 2/39)
Islamabad United: 129/4 in 17.1 overs (Shadab Khan 47, Azam Khan 31, Sahibzada Farhan 30; Hasan Ali 2/28)
Result: Islamabad United won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan’s Leadership Defines Islamabad’s Momentum

In a game where margins were slim and the pitch played tricks with inconsistent bounce, Shadab Khan didn’t just manage his resources well he owned the contest. His bowling, precise and timely, removed two middle-order batters when Karachi looked to rebuild. But it was his calculated knock of 47 off 40 balls that anchored the chase, displaying composure under pressure while rotating strike and picking boundaries without unnecessary risks. It was a performance that defined Islamabad United’s identity in HBL PSL X disciplined, efficient, and clinical.

As captain, Shadab continues to lead not just with tactics but with output. This was the kind of game that could have tested any leader, but he responded with poise, making the most of a pitch that was tough to score freely on. With his fourth successive win this season, his legacy as one of the league’s sharpest minds grows stronger.

Karachi Kings Falter Yet Again Under Pressure

For the Karachi Kings, this match followed an all-too-familiar script. The top order collapsed under pressure, starting with the early departure of captain David Warner, who was bowled by a stunning delivery from Naseem Shah. With only 22 runs on the board inside the fourth over and wickets tumbling regularly, the Kings never quite recovered. Tim Seifert tried to dig in, grinding out a 30 off 37, but lacked support from the other end. Khushdil Shah and Saad Baig also failed to accelerate, and the innings suffered from a lack of momentum throughout.

It wasn’t until Abbas Afridi arrived at No. 9 and blasted 24 off just nine balls, including three sixes, that the Karachi Kings managed to post a somewhat respectable 128. On a surface offering variable bounce, that target always looked below par, especially against a confident Islamabad side.

Islamabad’s Balanced Approach With Bat and Ball

The chase was not without hiccups. Hasan Ali, in a rare bright spot for the Kings, removed Sahibzada Farhan and Colin Munro in a fiery fifth over to momentarily tilt the balance. But Azam Khan and Shadab steadied the ship with a 65-run stand that put United firmly in control. Azam’s 31 was measured, while Shadab made sure the asking rate never climbed beyond comfort.

Sahibzada Farhan deserves mention too. His explosive start 30 off just 18 balls set the tone for the chase. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay has become a key asset for Islamabad in HBL PSL X, ensuring they get ahead of the game early and can bat conservatively through the middle.

Naseem Shah’s Opening Burst Breaks Karachi’s Backbone

Arguably the moment that set the tone for the match came from Naseem Shah, whose breathtaking new-ball spell dismantled David Warner with an in-swinger that sent stumps flying. It was the kind of delivery that demoralizes a batting line-up and inspires the fielding side instantly. His economy, pace, and aggression laid the groundwork for United’s early dominance.

Jason Holder, too, supported brilliantly with 2 wickets of his own, and Imad Wasim played a valuable containing role, keeping things tight during the middle overs. The real beauty of Islamabad’s bowling attack lies in its variety pace, spin, bounce, and control, all blending together seamlessly.

What Karachi Must Fix Ahead of Next Clash

This is now back-to-back underwhelming outings for Karachi Kings in HBL PSL X, and pressure is mounting. The batting lacks firepower and the bowling lacks penetration after the powerplay. Warner’s struggles at the top, combined with a middle order unable to rotate strike or build partnerships, are holding the side back.

The return of players like Shan Masood or Ben McDermott could offer some respite, but the core issue remains tactical: they’re too reliant on individual brilliance instead of team cohesion. If this trend continues, a playoff spot could soon be out of reach.

Islamabad United: A Team on a Mission

Islamabad United now sits near the top of the points table and looks like a team destined for the playoffs. With four wins on the trot and every department firing, they’re playing like champions-in-waiting. The combination of youth and experience, along with a calm but fearless approach, makes them hard to beat. Shadab Khan has rediscovered his best form, and with players like Naseem, Holder, and Azam in great rhythm, United looks increasingly unstoppable in this year’s competition.

This was their ninth straight win over Karachi Kings, and it reflects not just a favorable match-up but a deeper cultural difference in how the two teams execute under pressure. Islamabad bring plans, structure, and flexibility qualities that every title-winning side must possess.