PSL Doubleheader: Islamabad, Hyderabad Secure Wins

In a thrilling doubleheader at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Thursday, Islamabad United secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Karachi Kings in the 25th match of the Pakistan Super League 2026, while Hyderabad Kingsmen earlier claimed a comfortable five-wicket win against Rawalpindiz in the 24th fixture. Both games highlighted the league's competitive intensity as teams vied for playoff positioning midway through the tournament.

The afternoon clash saw Rawalpindiz, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, struggle after being put in to bat by Hyderabad Kingsmen skipper Marnus Labuschagne. Their innings crumbled to 121 for nine in 20 overs against a disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Ali and Hunain Shah each took three wickets, with Glenn Maxwell and Asif Mehmood claiming one apiece. Early blows included Usman Khawaja's dismissal for two by Maxwell and Rizwan's for 15 by Ali, leaving Rawalpindiz at 20 for two. A brief recovery via Yasir Khan's 24 and Sam Billings' 26 pushed the score past 50, but regular wickets, including a run-out of Saad Masood, sealed their low total. Asif Afridi's unbeaten 15 provided minor late resistance.

Chasing 122, Hyderabad Kingsmen lost early...