Hyderabad Kingsmen chased down 153 to defeat Islamabad United by six wickets in Karachi, securing their second win in PSL 2026. Captain Marnus Labuschagne anchored the innings with his maiden PSL half-century, while contributions from Maaz Sadaqat and Glenn Maxwell ensured the chase stayed on track on a surface where stroke-making became difficult as the ball softened.
Both sides looked to capitalise on the powerplay. Islamabad United raced to 57 for 1 in the first six overs, with Hyderabad responding closely at 56 for 1. The difference, however, emerged during the middle overs. United lost momentum through the run outs of Devon Conway (45 off 31) and Mohammad Faiq (18 off 14) in the tenth over, while Kingsmen built steadily through a key partnership.
Labuschagne Anchors Chase
Labuschagne combined with Saim Ayub to add 60 runs for the third wicket, guiding Hyderabad towards the target. Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 61 from 53 balls, while Ayub contributed 35 off 26. Their partnership ensured Hyderabad maintained control even as scoring conditions became more challenging.
Ayub’s dismissal to Faheem Ashraf triggered a brief collapse, with Hyderabad losing three wickets for five runs in quick succession. However, Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell steadied the innings. Maxwell struck 21 not out from nine balls, helping close out the chase with 11 deliveries remaining.
Sadaqat Sets Early Tone
The chase began with intent as Maaz Sadaqat took on Imad Wasim, scoring two sixes and two fours in a 20-run opening over. Hyderabad reached 50 in 4.4 overs before Sadaqat fell after miscuing an aggressive shot. Despite the early breakthrough, Labuschagne and Ayub ensured the innings remained on course with controlled accumulation and timely boundaries.
United Struggle to Build Momentum
Earlier, Islamabad United made a brisk start with Conway attacking Mohammad Ali and Hunain Shah in the opening overs. However, Ali’s variations removed Sameer Minhas in the powerplay and set the tone for Hyderabad’s bowling approach.
Through the middle overs, Hyderabad’s bowlers slowed the game effectively. Their pacers relied on changes of pace, while the spinners kept things tight, resulting in a prolonged boundary drought for United that stretched to 56 balls. Mark Chapman (42 off 30) eventually broke the sequence in the 17th over but could not carry on.
Asif Mehmood Finishes Strongly
Chapman was dismissed on the first ball of the final over by debutant Asif Mehmood, who had earlier conceded 15 runs in his only over. He responded impressively, claiming four wickets while giving away just three runs in the last over, finishing with figures of 4 for 18. Mohammad Ali supported well with 2 for 26.
United ended on 153 for 9, falling short as Hyderabad’s composed chase proved decisive.
Key Highlights
- Hyderabad Kingsmen chased 153 to win by six wickets
- Marnus Labuschagne scored 61* off 53 balls
- Saim Ayub added 35 in a 60-run partnership
- Glenn Maxwell finished unbeaten on 21 off 9
- Asif Mehmood took 4/18, including four wickets in the final over
Hyderabad’s balanced performance with both bat and ball allowed them to maintain momentum across phases, sealing a controlled victory on a challenging surface.
