Cricket Highlights, May 19: PSL 2025 (30th Match) – IU vs KK

IU vs KK (30th Match) – Highlights

Rawalpindi was treated to a boundary-fest when IU produced a fantastic performance to register a 79-run thumping victory over KK in match number 30 of Pakistan Super League 2025 with aggressive batting, high strike-rate, and a memorable battering from Alex Hales, who obliterated Karachi’s bowling plans. Islamabad United wrapped up the group stage on a positive note, securing a playoff berth with a well-timed win.

Batting first on one of Rawalpindi’s usually flat pitches, IU flexed their batting might by putting up a mammoth 251 for 5 — the highest score of this season in the PSL. Farhan and Hales turned balls into fireworks, setting the sky ablaze before the game even settled.

Farhan played the ideal aggressor at first, smashing 73 off 41 balls, with 9 fours and 3 sixes, while Hales then took centre stage with an onslaught of 88 off just 35 balls. Hales crushed 6 fours and 8 sixes at will against the Karachi bowlers, reaching his fifty off just 20 balls, and never looking back. Hales’ innings were a stark reminder of some of his T20 exploits, and he was duly awarded the Player of the Match.

Islamabad’s momentum didn’t dip even after the dismissals of the openers. Shadab Khan, their skipper, chipped in with a fiery 42 from 19 deliveries while Haider Ali and Ben Dwarshuis added the finishing touches. Karachi Kings’ bowling unit was left clueless as every bowler went over 10 runs per over, with Khushdil Shah and Mir Hamza managing to pick up a wicket each but at the cost of heavy punishment. Aamer Jamal was the only one who somewhat troubled the batters but ended with 1 for 51.

Chasing a near-impossible 252, KK had only one route — go hard or go home. Seifert and Warner’s opening blitz was less cricket, more demolition derby. Warner looked in decent touch with a 28-ball 43, but once he departed in the 11th over, the chase started crumbling. Imad Wasim applied the brakes with a couple of timely wickets while Shadab Khan showcased his all-round brilliance, picking up four wickets and dismantling Karachi’s middle order.

From solid to shaky, the Kings went from 100 for 3 to a tailspin of 114 for 8 in a blink — like watching a castle crumble in fast-forward. Abbas Afridi’s late fireworks—34 off 13 with three sixes—was a splash of respectability in a sea of collapse, but Salman Irshad’s surgical precision with 3 for 28 ended the party early, folding Karachi for 172 in just 18.2 overs.

Islamabad United didn’t just win — they punched their ticket to the playoffs with style and swagger. Their batting looks to be explosive, and the return to form of Shadab Khan, with bat and ball, is a massive positive. As for the Karachi Kings, while they are a good unit, they must regroup quickly to have an impact in the knockouts.

Also read: Cricket Highlights, May 18: PSL 2025 (29th Match) – LQ vs PZ

Islamabad United vs. Karachi Kings Scoreboard

Islamabad United – 251/5 (20)

Karachi Kings – 172/10 (18.2)

Result – United won by 79 runs

Player of the Match – Alex Hales

IU vs KK Playing Eleven

Disclaimer: This match highlight is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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