PSL 2026: Minhas, Conway guide Islamabad United to 8-wicket win over Karachi Kings

Islamabad United bounced back to winning ways in the Pakistan Super League 2026 (PSL 2026), beating Karachi Kings by 8 wickets on Thursday at National Stadium, Karachi. After Islamabad captain Shadab Khan put Karachi in to bat first, they were restricted to 150/6 in their allotted 20 overs, with Reeza Hendricks (51* off 44) scoring a lone half-century.

In reply, Islamabad chased down the target in 16 overs courtesy of half-centuries from Devon Conway (53* off 36) and Sameer Minhas. Earlier, Karachi were rocked in the powerplay itself with Richard Gleeson removing Saad Baig (6 off 5) cheaply. 

Reeza Hendricks walked in at number three and stitched a 62-run stand for the second wicket off 40 balls with Jason Roy. Just when Karachi were cruising, Shadab (2/28) removed Roy and Salman Agha in successive overs to leave them on 77/3 in 10.2 overs. After two quick blows, Hendricks stitched another crucial partnership with Azam Khan of 54 runs off 45 balls. 

However, the duo couldn’t up the ante throughout the course of the partnership. Following Azam’s dismissal, Hendricks didn’t get much support as Karachi were restricted to 150/6 in their 20 overs. In reply, Islamabad got their chase off to a terrific start with Conway (53* off 36) and Minhas adding 93 runs for the first wicket off 60 balls.

Moeen Ali got the first success for Karachi as he got Manhas stumped, while Mohammad Faiq (5 off 8) fell prey to Khushdil Shah. Shadab (31* off 16) walked in at number four and finished the game alongside Conway, taking Islamabad over the line. 

Following their victory, Islamabad rose to second spot on the points table with nine points from seven games, while Karachi slipped to fifth spot with six points from as many games. 

Top run-scorer of the Match

Top wicket-taker of the Match

Player of the Match

Sameer Minhas was adjudged Player of the Match for his explosive innings of 58 runs off 36 deliveries. He stitched a crucial stand with Devon Conway for the first wicket of 93 runs and sealed the victory for his side.

Turning Point

Shadab Khan got two crucial scalps for his side as he removed Jason Roy and Salman Agha in successive overs. He finished with figures of 2/28 in four overs as he was instrumental in not allowing Karachi to get away with the game in the middle overs. As a result, his spell became the turning point of the match.

What did the captains say:

Winning Captain, Shadab Khan (Islamabad United):

I don’t think we did anything very different. We try to execute our plans whenever we play a match. I think even in the last match we were executing our plans in a similar way, but when we lost two wickets at that stage, we lost momentum. But today our death bowling, the way our rates were, and there was also talk about our bowling - that throughout the tournament our bowling hasn’t been that good - but I think the way the bowlers made a comeback, the momentum we got from there, we carried it on. (On things going their way and wonderful opening duo of Sameer and Conway) Obviously, when you win, some of your flaws get hidden, but I still think there are quite a few areas we need to improve. Obviously, when you win, everything looks good, but I still believe there’s a lot we need to improve. I think the way Sameer and Conway are playing - especially Sameer - we knew he is an exceptional talent, but to come onto such a big stage and prove himself the way he is doing, hopefully he continues to perform like this throughout his career and throughout the tournament. (Is it good that they had a few blips early on in the tournament?) It’s like that because we learned from last year as well - that we gained momentum at the start and then began to lose it. I think whichever team gains momentum at the right time will win the tournament.

Losing Captain, Moeen Ali (Karachi Kings):

We just haven't seemed to bat very well or bowl very well and in the field. So we've been pretty poor since we've been here. Some good individual performances here and there, but generally we've leaked a lot of runs in the powerplay, we've also misfielded a lot. I thought batting in particular today, we were a bit passive and not really taking the game on and the game is changing all the time. I think you have to just be a bit braver to get those extra runs, even if you lose wickets because we do have a long batting line and you've got to try and use that for the best you can. (On him potentially batting higher) Probably me, Khushi (Khushdil Shah), even Abbas who can potentially come in a bit earlier. It's okay, I think it was probably just before the last five overs. It's difficult to first come in and take guys on. You need a few balls at least. So yeah, potentially we can look at that tactically and see how we can best use our players. (Update on David Warner) Yeah, he's better today than he was probably two days ago and hopefully he'll be ready for the next game. If not, definitely the one after."