SHARJAH: Islamabad United defeated Karachi Kings by five wickets in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium here on Sunday. Chasing victory target of 129, Islamabad skipper Misbahul Haq (38) established a crucial 63-run stand for the fourth wicket with Khalid Latif (33) to recover his side after losing three early wickets. Asif Ali made 31. Sohail Khan claimed two wickets with Mohammad Aamir, Usama Mir and Ravi Bopara claiming one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Islamabad won the toss and elected to field first. Islamabad put up a disciplined bowling display as they successfully stopped Karachi from posting a big total. Karachi managed to score 128 for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Imran Khalid and seasoned all-rounder Azhar Mahmood shared three wickets among themselves and bowled economically to the Karachi’s batting line-up, which has struggled with the bat throughout the league. Only Bopara and Mushfiqur Raheem stood out with 45 and 33 runs respectively but lost their wickets before they could hit the pedal in death overs. Debutant Shahzaib Hasan smashed a 19-ball 27 hitting three fours and one six.