PSL 2026: Asif, Marnus star as Hyderabad Kingsmen beat Islamabad United in Karachi

Hyderabad Kingsmen registered their second victory of the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026), beating Islamabad United by 6 wickets in Match 21 on Sunday, April 12 at National Stadium, Karachi. After being put in to bat first, Islamabad were restricted to 153/9 in their allotted 20 overs as Asif Mehmood ran through their batting lineup.

In reply, Hyderabad chased down the target in 18.1 overs with captain Marnus Labuschagne leading the way, with a splendid half-century.

Earlier, Devon Conway (45 off 31) and Sameer Minhas (22 off 13) got Islamabad off to a good start, adding 56 runs for the first wicket off 35 balls. Following their dismissals, Mark Chapman (42 off 30) walked in at number four and held one end.

However, he failed to get any support as batters began falling from the other end, as Islamabad lost six wickets for 48 runs in the last 40 balls. Asif Mehmood was the destroyer in chief with four wickets, while Mohammad Ali (2/26) also contributed with two wickets.

Later in the second innings, Hyderabad’s chase also got off to a terrific start with openers Maaz Sadaqat (30 off 16) and Marnus Labuschagne, adding 50 runs for the first wicket off 29 balls. After Sadaqat’s dismissal, Labuschagne got good support from Saim Ayub (35 off 26) with the duo getting involved in a 60-run stand for the second wicket off 50 balls.

In the end, a brisk cameo from Glenn Maxwell (21 off 9) took Hyderabad over the line with Labuschagne holding the other end. Following their win, Hyderabad rose to sixth spot on the points table with four points from six games, while Islamabad retained third spot with seven points from six games.

Best Batter of the Match

Best Bowler of the Match

Player of the Match

Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne was adjudged Player of the Match for anchoring the chase for his team. He scored an unbeaten 61* (53), laced with six fours and batted through the innings to guide his team to a comfortable victory.

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Marnus Labuschagne (Hyderabad Kingsmen):

There was many things that was good. Asif at the end was the icing on the cake. Maxwell was excellent with his four overs. Everyone chipped in. Mohammad Ali really good through the middle. Didn't get the wickets early but we stuck at it. Those two runs out were crucial. Those two young guys, they were so impressive. Firstly Maaz, the freedom that he played with to take that first over for 20, we spoke about that, that's why we shifted the batting order. And then Saim played a really experienced knock. Beautiful cricket shots on a surface that was tricky to score fast. Proud of both of them. Once we got that powerplay up and running, knew we would win if I was there at the end.

Losing Captain, Chris Green (Islamabad United):

Was a disappointing result for us. Credit to them. In phases we did well. The powerplay with the bat was good. Ultimately those two run outs cost us. Chapman batted well but we weren't able to support him. 15-20 runs short on that pitch.