Islamabad United achieved a historic victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by chasing down a target of just 81 runs against Hyderabad Kingsmen in only 6.4 overs, marking the largest margin of victory by balls remaining in the league’s history. The match took place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, solidifying Islamabad’s place in the playoffs.
Hyderabad Kingsmen faced a tough outing, being bowled out for a mere 80 runs, which is the lowest total of the current season and ranks as the fifth-lowest in PSL history. Richard Gleeson, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan were key contributors to Islamabad’s bowling attack, each claiming three wickets.
With this win, Islamabad became the third team to secure a playoff berth, joining Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans. The competition remains tight, as Lahore Qalandars, Hyderabad Kingsmen, and Karachi Kings each sit on eight points, competing for the final playoff positions.
Quetta Gladiators, currently in seventh place, have an opportunity to improve their standing, but they need to win their upcoming match against Karachi and hope that both Lahore and Hyderabad lose their final games.
On the batting front, debutant Mohsin Riaz led the charge for Islamabad United, scoring a quickfire 42 runs off just 18 balls. His innings included six fours and two sixes, and he partnered with Sameer Minhas to build a 79-run second-wicket partnership. Despite losing Mohsin to Mohammad Ali, Shadab Khan finished off the match with a boundary.
Islamabad not only secured the win but also set a new PSL record for the largest margin of victory in terms of balls remaining, breaking the previous record held by Quetta Gladiators, who had successfully chased down a 90-run target against Multan Sultans in 2025 with 79 balls to spare.
In brief, the match saw:
Islamabad United beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by eight wickets
- Hyderabad Kingsmen: 80 all out in 15.5 overs (Usman Khan 25 not out; Richard Gleeson 3-9, Shadab Khan 3-13, Imad Wasim 3-21)
- Islamabad United: 83-2 in 6.4 overs (Mohsin Riaz 42, Sameer Minhas 27 not out; Mohammad Ali 2-29)
- Player of the Match: Richard Gleeson (Islamabad United)
Looking ahead, the fixtures for Saturday include Quetta Gladiators facing Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars taking on Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium, both of which are crucial matches for the teams involved.