KARACHI:
Islamabad United produced a commanding performance to beat Rawalpindiz by seven wickets in their first-ever Pakistan Super League (PSL) meeting, chasing down the 157-run target with 34 balls to spare at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
The newly inaugurated “Twin Cities” derby, hyped on PSL social media channels throughout the day, ultimately lacked the close contest organisers had teased, as United’s batters and bowlers combined for a convincing victory.
Rawalpindiz, playing their maiden PSL season after the league expanded to eight teams, posted 156 for 7 in their 20 overs. Kamran Ghulam top-scored with a composed half-century, scoring 50 off 37 deliveries, but regular dismissals prevented the hosts from posting a formidable total.
Islamabad’s bowlers struck early after captain Shadab Khan elected to field first following the toss. Richard Gleeson and Salman Irshad claimed key wickets in the powerplay, restricting Rawalpindiz to 35 for 2 inside six overs. Faheem Ashraf also chipped in to keep the scoreboard in check, ensuring Rawalpindiz could not build sustained momentum beyond Ghulam’s innings.
In response, Islamabad United’s chase was anchored by young opener Sameer Minhas, who struck 70 from 36 balls with seven fours and three sixes. His innings earned him the official Player of the Match award and set the tone for a comfortable run chase.
Minhas provided the backbone of the innings as Islamabad raced to 62 for 1 in the powerplay. Although Devon Conway, his opening partner, was dismissed for a modest score, the experienced middle order ensured there was no pressure in completing the victory. Contributions from Haider Ali (26 not out off 16 balls) and Mark Chapman (24 not out off seven balls) sealed the win with authority.
The result marks a third consecutive loss for Rawalpindiz, who remain without a PSL win. It also extends a difficult run for captain Mohammad Rizwan, whose team has now suffered 13 defeats in 14 games across PSL campaigns dating back to the 2024 final.
The victory was the latest affirmation of Islamabad United’s balanced squad depth and batting firepower this season. Their chase was aggressive yet calculated, reflecting confidence in executing run chases on batting-friendly surfaces such as the one on offer in Lahore.
With the defeat, Rawalpindiz face growing pressure to find momentum as they look to climb off the bottom of the standings. United, meanwhile, will aim to build on the comprehensive performance as the PSL season progresses.
