United Inflict Humiliating Eight-Wicket Defeat on Kingsmen in PSL Encounter
In a commanding performance, Islamabad United handed Hyderabad Kingsmen a humiliating eight-wicket defeat in the 36th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, held at the National Bank Stadium on April 24, 2026.
The victory, which was United’s fifth in the ongoing tournament, secured their qualification for the PSL 11 playoffs, alongside leaders Peshawar Zalmi and 2021 champions Multan Sultans.
Hyderabad Kingsmen, set a modest target of 81 runs, were comfortably defeated by United, who chased down the target with 80 balls to spare. Despite losing left-handed opener Devon Conway for a duck on the second delivery of the innings, United’s chase was guided by a crucial 79-run partnership between Sameer Minhas and Mohsin Riaz.
Riaz top-scored for United with a blistering 42 off 18 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Ali. Minhas, however, remained unbeaten with 27 off 20 balls, and Shadab Khan sealed the victory with a boundary on the first ball he faced.
For Kingsmen, Mohammad Ali was the only bowler to pick up wickets, finishing with two scalps.
Earlier in the match, Islamabad United’s decision to bowl first proved effective as their bowlers restricted the Kingsmen to just 80 runs in 15.5 overs. Right-arm pacer Richard Gleeson was instrumental, dismissing three of the top four batsmen, including Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne, and Saim Ayub.
Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim provided additional support with three wickets each, while Salman Mirza picked up one. Usman Khan fought valiantly for the Kingsmen, scoring an unbeaten 25 off 35 balls, but it was a lone battle as no other Kingsmen batsman could make a substantial contribution.
