Sameer, Conway masterclass propels Islamabad to second as Karachi’s campaign teeters
Sameer, Conway masterclass propels Islamabad to second as Karachi’s campaign teeters
By Nawaz Gohar ; Islamabad United extended their extraordinary head-to-head dominance over Karachi Kings, registering an 11th consecutive victory since February 2021.
The eight-wicket thumping at the National Bank Stadium on Thursday was more than just a win; it was a statement of hierarchy in the second match of the PSL’s Pink Ribbon Day double-header.
Pursuing a target of 151—a total that looked competitive on paper but proved meager on grass—United’s opening pair of Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway made a mockery of the Kings’ bowling attack. The duo orchestrated a 93-run opening stand that essentially settled the contest within the powerplay.
Young sensation Sameer Minhas was the protagonist of the evening, blending raw aggression with technical elegance. He blazed his way to a 36-ball 58, punctuated by 10 crisp boundaries. On the other end, the veteran Devon Conway provided the perfect foil, anchoring the chase with a serene, unbeaten 53 off 36 balls. After Sameer’s departure, skipper Shadab Khan (31* off 16) added a late flourish of power-hitting, ensuring United crossed the finish line with a staggering 24 balls to spare.
Earlier, Karachi Kings—led by stand-in skipper Moeen Ali—struggled to find momentum after being put in to bat. Despite the high-profile debut of Jason Roy, who looked threatening during his 27-ball 39, the Kings’ innings was characterized by a lack of urgency in the middle overs.
Reeza Hendricks played a lone hand with an unbeaten 51, but his 44-ball vigil lacked the explosive finish required to challenge United’s deep batting lineup. The Kings were further stifled by an inspired Islamabad bowling unit. Richard Gleeson (2-22) was the pick of the seamers, while Shadab Khan (2-28) showcased his tactical brilliance by removing Roy and Salman Ali Agha just as the partnership looked to threaten.
The match also highlighted United’s superior fielding standards. Sameer Minhas complemented his batting heroics with two spectacular catches, including a diving effort to dismiss Azam Khan and a breathtaking relay catch at the boundary to remove Khushdil Shah.
Off the field, the cricket fraternity united under the #GoPink banner, with the hashtag trending globally as players and officials raised awareness for breast cancer. The atmosphere in Karachi was electric, yet the result remained frustratingly familiar for the home crowd.
With this victory, Islamabad United leapfrog to second place on the table with nine points. Conversely, Karachi Kings find themselves in a precarious fifth position, having lost three matches on the trot since the tournament moved to the port city.
Brief Scores ;
Islamabad United: 153-2, 16 overs (Sameer Minhas 58, Devon Conway 53*, Shadab Khan 31*; Moeen Ali 1-22, Hasan Ali 1-28) by 8 wickets beat Karachi Kings: 150-6, 20 overs (Reeza Hendricks 51*, Jason Roy 39, Azam Khan 34; Richard Gleeson 2-22, Shadab Khan 2-28)
