KARACHI: Karachi Kings set a modest 151-run target for Islamabad United in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday.
Islamabad United chose to field first, and their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict the home side to a below-par total despite a fighting half-century from Reeza Hendricks.
Karachi Kings post 150/6 on the board.#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #KKvIU | #GoPink 🎀 pic.twitter.com/nsuP49uVg7
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 16, 2026
Hendricks holds innings together
The Kings lost early wicket Saad Baig (6 off 5) to Richard Gleeson in the second over. However, Jason Roy (39 off 27 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) and Reeza Hendricks then added 62 runs for the second wicket to stabilise the innings.
Roy looked dangerous before falling to United captain Shadab Khan (2/28) in the 9th over. Salman Agha followed shortly for just 4, leaving the Kings at 77/3.
50 up for Reeza Hendricks ✨#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #KKvIU | #GoPink 🎀 pic.twitter.com/5ASVH1JpaJ
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 16, 2026
Middle-order fails to accelerate
Azam Khan (34 off 29 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) added some impetus alongside Hendricks, putting together a 54-run partnership. But his dismissal in the 18th over triggered a late collapse.
Khushdil Shah (2) and captain Moeen Ali (8 off 5) fell cheaply as the Kings lost three wickets for 19 runs in the death overs.
Hendricks remained unbeaten on 51 off 44 balls (4 fours) – his innings providing the only real stability in an otherwise disjointed batting effort.
Gleeson was the pick of the bowlers, while Shadab Khan broke crucial partnerships with his leg-spin.
With a target of 151, United will fancy their chances against a Kings bowling attack that struggled for consistency. The home side will need early wickets to stay in the contest.
