Sameer, Conway power United to convincing victory over Kings

Islamabad United cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Karachi Kings in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League 2026 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 151, the three-time champions reached the total with 24 balls to spare, losing just two wickets. Nineteen-year-old opener Sameer Minhas scored a fluent 58, while Devon Conway remained unbeaten on 53 to seal the win.

Karachi Kings, who had won their first three matches convincingly, have now suffered three successive defeats, going down to Peshawar Zalmi, Hyderabad Kingsmen and now Islamabad United.

"We have been pretty poor since we have been here (in Karachi). Some good individual performances but generally our batting has been passive and we have not been taking the game on," said Kings captain Moeen Ali after facing an eight-wicket defeat.

United made a strong start as Minhas and Conway put on a commanding 93-run opening stand in 10 overs. Minhas led the charge with a brisk 58 off 36 balls, including 10 fours, before being stumped off Moeen Ali on the final ball of the 10th over.

Islamabad then lost Mohammad Faiq for five in the 13th over, dismissed by Hasan Ali.

Conway was joined by captain Shadab Khan, and the pair ensured there were no further setbacks, adding an unbeaten 43-run partnership to guide the team home in 16 overs. Conway finished with an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls, while Shadab contributed a quick 31 off 16 deliveries, hitting two sixes and a four.

For Karachi Kings, Moeen Ali and Hasan Ali picked up one wicket each.

First innings

Electing to field first, United’s decision to field first proved fruitful as Karachi were restricted to 150 for the loss of six wickets with Reeza Hendricks scoring 51.

The Kings got off to a poor start, losing Saad Baig early for six to Richard Gleeson in the second over. Jason Roy and Hendricks then steadied the innings with a 62-run partnership before Shadab dismissed Roy for a quick 39 off 27 balls.

Shadab struck again soon after to remove Salman Ali Agha for four, leaving Kings under pressure.

Hendricks anchored the innings and went on to score an unbeaten 51 off 44 balls, while late contributions from Moeen Ali and others helped Karachi reach the 150-run mark.

For Islamabad, Gleeson and Shadab led the bowling effort with two wickets each, while Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Hasnain chipped in with one wicket apiece.