Karachi: Explosive knocks from Colin Munro and Azam Khan set a comfortable win for Islamabad United against Karachi Kings at the Pakistan Super League on Thursday.
Islamabad United chased 174 at the loss of six wickets and 10 balls spare in what was their first match of this edition. Munro smashed 58 at a scorching strike rate of 207.14 and Azam made 44 at 157.14. The two put together 56 runs in 31 balls.
Karachi Kings began well in the second innings as tight lines and lengths from Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Musa allowed only 13 runs and sent back Hasan Nawaz in the first three overs.
The first signs of Islamabad United’s domination and Munro’s intentions came in the fifth over as the left-hander spanked Musa for three fours after he had thudded Paul Stirling’s pad with a yorker on the first ball.
Three Islamabad United bowlers – Wasim Jnr (two for 38), Rumman Raees (two for 26) and Tom Curran (two for 42) – shared six wickets between them equally, while Faheem Ashraf bowled exceptionally well for his one for 25 in four overs.
Scores in brief:
Karachi Kings 173-7, 20 overs (Haider Ali 59, Sharjeel Khan 34; Rumman Raees 2-26, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-38, Tom Curran 2-42)
Islamabad United 178-6, 18.2 overs (Colin Munro 58, Azam Khan 44, Rassie van der Dussen 31; Mohammad Amir 2-30, Mohammad Musa 2-48)