Summary Hyderabad Kingsmen defeated Islamabad United by six wickets in PSL 11 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, with Marnus Labuschagne scoring an unbeaten half-century and Asif Mehmood taking four wickets.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Hyderabad Kingsmen continued their resurgence in Pakistan Super League Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 with a composed six-wicket victory over Islamabad United Islamabad United in the 21st match at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Sunday.
The debutants successfully chased a target of 154 with 11 balls to spare, driven by a commanding unbeaten innings from captain Marnus Labuschagne, who anchored the innings with calm authority and precision.
The win marked a second consecutive triumph for Hyderabad Kingsmen Hyderabad Kingsmen after ending a four-match losing streak earlier in the tournament. Their momentum shift had already begun with a victory over former champions Karachi Kings Karachi Kings, and this latest result further strengthened their campaign.
Labuschagne, who opted to field first after winning the toss, played a decisive role both tactically and with the bat. His unbeaten 61 off 53 deliveries, decorated with six boundaries, ensured his side stayed on course during a measured chase.
At the top of the order, Saim Ayub added momentum with a brisk 35, while Maaz Sadaqat contributed a quickfire 30 off just 16 deliveries, injecting early energy into the chase. Their efforts allowed the Kingsmen to maintain control despite occasional breakthroughs from Islamabad United’s bowling attack. Stand-in captain Chris Green and Faheem Ashraf claimed two wickets each, but the total proved insufficient under disciplined batting conditions.
Labuschagne later found strong support from Glenn Maxwell, who remained unbeaten on 21 off just nine balls, accelerating the finish with clean striking. Their partnership ensured there was no late drama, as the Kingsmen crossed the line comfortably.
Earlier in the evening, Islamabad United posted 153 for nine in their 20 overs after a promising start quickly unravelled. Opening pair Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway stitched together 56 runs before Mohammad Ali broke the stand just before the end of the powerplay. Minhas scored 22 off 13 balls, striking three boundaries and a six in an aggressive cameo.
Conway, who top-scored for his side with 45 off 31 deliveries, later shared a 31-run stand with Mohammad Faiq, but both batters were dismissed in a chaotic 10th over, leaving Islamabad at 89 for three. Faiq contributed 18 off 14 balls, including a six, but the innings struggled to regain momentum thereafter.
Middle-order resistance came briefly through Mark Chapman, who anchored the innings with a valiant 42 off 30 balls, striking three fours and two sixes. However, once he fell on the second ball of the final over, Islamabad’s innings collapsed dramatically.
The final over belonged entirely to Asif Mehmood, whose devastating spell dismantled the lower order. He removed Imad Wasim for two, Mehran Mumtaz for a duck, and Chris Green for six, completing remarkable figures of four wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs. His performance, combined with Mohammad Ali’s two wickets and Glenn Maxwell’s single strike, ensured Islamabad were restricted below a competitive finish.
