RAWALPINDI: Explosive half-centuries from openers Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan powered defending champions Islamabad United to a commanding total of 251 for 5 against Karachi Kings in the 30th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Karachi Kings captain David Warner’s decision to field first proved costly as the home side piled on 251/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
United got off to a flying start courtesy of their new opening pair, Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan, who went on a rampage, amassing 153 runs, equalling the team’s highest-ever partnership in PSL history.
The record-equalling stand was eventually broken in the 12th over when Farhan attempted to scoop the ball over fine leg but instead offered a simple catch to Abbas Afridi off the bowling of Mir Hamza.
Farhan struck 12 boundaries, including three sixes, on his way to a 41-ball 73 – his third score of fifty or more in PSL 10.
Losing wickets
The hosts then suffered a minor collapse, losing two quick wickets as Rassie van der Dussen and Salman Ali Agha were dismissed for one and seven, respectively, reducing United to 172/3 in 14.1 overs.
Captain Shadab Khan then joined the well-set Hales at the crease, and the pair added 27 runs before Khushdil Shah delivered a vital breakthrough for the Kings by removing Hales.
Hales top-scored for United with a breath-taking 88 off just 35 balls, laced with six fours and eight sixes.
After Hales’ departure, Shadab took charge of the innings, playing a rapid 42-run knock before being run out on the second ball of the final over.
He also shared a valuable 38-run stand for the fifth wicket with Haider Ali, who remained unbeaten on 19 off nine deliveries, hitting one four and a six.
For the Kings, Aamir Jamal, Khushdil Shah, and Mir Hamza claimed a wicket each.
