Islamabad United successfully secured a place in the playoffs of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 after defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen in a record-breaking encounter.
The three-time champions chased 81 runs in 6.4 overs to defeat the newly added franchise, recording the biggest win by balls remaining in the history of Pakistan Super League.
The Marnus Labuschagne-led side was bowled out for 80 in 15.5 overs after being put into bat, with Islamabad United bowlers dominating throughout the match in Karachi.
It was the fifth-lowest total in PSL history, with Lahore Qalandars scoring 59 and 76, while Quetta Gladiators managed 73 and 78 respectively.
PSL Lowest Totals in History
| Rank | Team | Total | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lahore Qalandars | 59 | 2017 |
| 2 | Quetta Gladiators | 73 | 2021 |
| 3 | Lahore Qalandars | 76 | 2019 |
| 4 | Quetta Gladiators | 78 | 2024 |
| 5 | Hyderabad Kingsmen | 80 | 2026 |
Batting Collapse
Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled against a disciplined bowling attack, losing wickets regularly and failing to build partnerships in the must win encounter.
Wicket-keeper batter Usman Khan top scored with an unbeaten 25 off 35 balls, hitting only one boundary during an innings where scoring opportunities remained limited.
Opening batter Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera and Asif Mehmood each scored 12 runs, while other batters failed to reach double figures during the innings.
Record-breaking chase
Islamabad United chased 81 runs comfortably, reaching the target with two wickets down and 80 balls remaining in a dominant Pakistan Super League match performance.
The chase began with an early setback as opening batter Devon Conway was dismissed for zero on the second delivery of the second innings.
Sameer Minhas and Mohsin Riaz added 79 runs crucial partnership for the second wicket, with Riaz scoring 42 from 18 balls before being dismissed late.
Minhas remained unbeaten on 27runs , while captain Shadab Khan struck a boundary on his first delivery to complete the historic victory and qualify for the playoff.
