KRK vs ISU Highlights | PSL 2025 Match 10 Highlights | ISU Beat KRK by 6 Wickets

Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United – Shadab Khan Stars as ISU Clinch Commanding Win in PSL 2025 Match 10

Summary
In a low-scoring yet impactful encounter of the Pakistan Super League 2025, Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United delivered a tactical masterclass from Shadab Khan and his team. After being asked to bat first, Karachi struggled to break free and managed only 128/7, thanks to tight spells from the Islamabad bowlers. Chasing a modest total, Islamabad United overhauled the target in just 17.1 overs, winning comfortably by 6 wickets. Shadab Khan’s all-round performance two wickets and a blistering 47 off 40 earned him the Player of the Match award. Karachi's batting woes continue as Islamabad move further up the table.

Scorecard
Karachi Kings: 128/7 in 20 overs (Tim Seifert 30, Saad Baig 20; Naseem Shah 2/29, Shadab Khan 2/17)
Islamabad United: 129/4 in 17.1 overs (Shadab Khan 47, Azam Khan 31; Hasan Ali 2/28, Abbas Afridi 1/24)
Result: Islamabad United won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Shadab Khan

Karachi Kings Fail to Capitalize on Powerplay Promise

The first half of this Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United fixture was defined by inconsistency. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Karachi needed their experienced top order to set the tone. But David Warner’s early dismissal bowled by Naseem Shah sent them into a spiral. James Vince, brought in to lend stability, fell cheaply too. Tim Seifert was the only batter who looked in control, crafting 30 runs, but his dismissal in the 12th over derailed any hopes of acceleration. Karachi moved at a snail’s pace through the middle overs, crippled by Shadab Khan’s pinpoint spin and Jason Holder’s back-of-the-length variations.

With only 128 on the board, and most batters scoring under a run-a-ball, the Kings were always on the back foot. There was little momentum throughout their innings, and no single partnership that could have tilted the game their way.

Shadab Khan’s Leadership Shines Bright

If there was any doubt about his form or tactical acumen, Shadab Khan silenced critics with a captain’s knock. His performance encapsulated the kind of leadership Islamabad United needed in this crucial PSL 2025 phase. With the ball, he dismissed Irfan Khan and Saad Baig at key moments, curbing Karachi’s revival. His control over line and length and clever use of flight gave him economical figures of 2/17 in 4 overs.

Then came the real show his batting. Walking in with the game in balance, he soaked up the early pressure, rotated strike, and then unleashed his array of strokes. His 47 off 40 was laced with precision and composure, guiding the chase expertly. Even when Azam Khan fell after a solid 31, Shadab ensured Islamabad didn’t falter in the final stretch.

Islamabad’s Balanced Attack Dominates Karachi

What worked in Islamabad United’s favour was their varied bowling unit. Naseem Shah’s raw pace took out Warner and Khushdil at critical junctures, while Jason Holder’s late burst ensured Karachi never got going at the death. Imad Wasim and Ben Dwarshuis kept things tight from the other end, conceding just 17 and 16 runs respectively in their full spells.

Unlike Karachi, who appeared to be banking on individual brilliance, Islamabad looked like a well-drilled unit, each bowler knowing their role. It’s this collective mindset that made their defense and subsequent chase so effective.

Azam Khan and Farhan Set the Tone Early

Though Shadab was the headline act, the foundation for Islamabad’s chase was laid by Sahibzada Farhan and Azam Khan. Farhan’s brisk 30 off 18 gave the innings early pace, while Azam’s counterattacking 31 helped stabilize the middle overs. Despite the cheap dismissal of Colin Munro, Islamabad never really felt the scoreboard pressure.

Even Mohammad Nawaz, often seen as a utility player, did his job calmly seeing the chase home alongside the lower middle order.

Karachi’s Tactical Misfires Raise Concerns

Karachi Kings had opportunities, but their game awareness and execution let them down again. Despite having Hasan Ali and Abbas Afridi among their ranks, the attack lacked threat. Hasan picked up two wickets, but they came too late to change the game’s outcome. Mohammad Nabi, introduced late into the attack, was carted around and showed signs of rust.

David Warner’s captaincy also came under the scanner particularly his reluctance to attack when Shadab and Azam were rebuilding. Karachi’s inability to either go hard early or finish strong made their total feel well below par, even on a pitch that wasn’t lightning quick.

Islamabad United Building Momentum

This victory propels Islamabad United into a strong position on the PSL 2025 table, and more importantly, shows they can win without a blockbuster innings from their top three. Shadab Khan’s form as an all-rounder is a massive plus, and with players like Jason Holder and Imad Wasim contributing quietly, this is a side finding the perfect rhythm.

Their bowling, clearly better balanced than Karachi’s, is another factor giving them an edge as the tournament heats up.

Looking Ahead: Karachi Kings Must Rethink Strategy

For Karachi Kings, this loss rings alarm bells. Two back-to-back underwhelming performances have exposed major gaps in both batting depth and bowling strategy. They need more from their overseas stars and a clear plan to utilize hitters like Aamer Jamal and Khushdil Shah more effectively. The mix between experience and youth needs refining, and the clock is ticking.

The return of Adam Milne and possibly Shan Masood could inject some life into the XI. But unless their core Warner, Vince, Seifert begin to deliver consistently, Karachi’s campaign may be heading towards a familiar disappointment.