Karachi Kings face Islamabad United in the 25th match of PSL 2026 at National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi on April 16, 2026. ISU have won all 5 of the last encounters, giving them a massive psychological edge.
This is a crunch mid-table battle with playoff implications. ISU sit 3rd with 7 points (W3, L2, NR1) and have won 3 of their last 4 matches. KAR are 4th with 6 points (W3, L2) but are on a disastrous two-match losing streak after starting the season 3-0.
With Shadab Khan rested due to injury, Chris Green captains ISU for the second consecutive match. Meanwhile, Moeen Ali takes over KAR’s leadership. With Sameer Minhas (207 runs at avg 51.75) and Devon Conway in form for ISU, and Hasan Ali (Purple Cap) leading KAR’s attack, this Thursday night clash promises drama.
KAR vs ISL 25th Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United, 25th Match |
| Date | 16 April 2026 (Thursday) |
| Time | 7:00 PM PKT / 7:30 PM IST (Night) |
| Venue | National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi |
| Series | Pakistan Super League 2026 (Season 11) |
| Head-to-Head | Long PSL rivalry; ISU won last 5 consecutive meetings |
Dream11 Team for Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United
Weather Report for KAR vs ISL, PSL 2026 Match 25
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 27-33°C during match hours |
| Sky | Clear to partly cloudy; warm Karachi evening |
| Rain Chance | Less than 5% chance of rain; no threat to the match |
| Humidity | Moderate; coastal breeze provides some relief |
| Overall | Warm evening; slight dew possible in second innings |
This is a night match starting at 7:00 PM PKT. While Karachi experiences less dew than Lahore, some moisture can settle in the second innings under floodlights. As a result, the captain winning the toss may consider bowling first to chase under dew, though the difference is marginal at this venue.
Pitch Report for National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi |
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly; consistent pace and true bounce |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 164 in last 3 matches at this venue in PSL 2026 |
| Pace vs Spin | Pace gets early movement; spinners grip in middle overs |
| Toss Factor | Night game with slight dew; bowling first has marginal edge |
| Boundary Size | Short square boundaries; rewards aggressive batting |
The Karachi pitch has been batting-friendly in PSL 2026. However, recent matches have seen slightly lower scores with the average first innings total dropping to 164 in the last 3 games. Any score above 190 would be a tough ask for the chasing side. Zampa, Moeen, and Chris Green will all play crucial roles in the middle overs as the surface slows.
Injury Updates for KAR vs ISL, PSL 2026
Karachi Kings: David Warner appears unavailable for this match, with Moeen Ali captaining the side. All other key players including Hasan Ali, Adam Zampa, Azam Khan, Salman Ali Agha, and Khushdil Shah are fit. KAR are desperate to halt their two-match losing streak.
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan remains rested due to a recurring injury concern from 2025. Chris Green continues as stand-in captain and was POTM in ISU’s 9-wicket thrashing of Lahore (3/19). All other players including Devon Conway, Sameer Minhas, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, and Richard Gleeson are fit.
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KAR vs ISL Head-to-Head Record in PSL
Karachi Kings and Islamabad United share one of PSL’s most iconic rivalries. Both franchises have tasted championship glory, with KAR winning the title in 2020 and ISU winning three titles (2016, 2018, 2024). However, recent form heavily favours Islamabad.
ISU have won all of the last 5 consecutive encounters against Karachi Kings, giving them a significant psychological edge. That dominance adds extra pressure on the Kings’ home crowd to deliver a reversal of fortunes.
Current form favours ISU slightly. They have won 3 of their last 4 matches, including a 9-wicket demolition of Lahore Qalandars (bowled them out for 100) and a 7-wicket win over Rawalpindi. Sameer Minhas has been the breakout star with 207 runs at an average of 51.75, while Devon Conway has found form with 109 runs including 59* against Lahore.
On the flip side, Karachi Kings started PSL 2026 on fire with three straight wins but have lost two in a row. Their most recent outing saw them restricted to 188/8 and then losing to Hyderabad Kingsmen by 4 wickets. Hasan Ali remains the Purple Cap holder with 15 wickets in 9 matches, while Moeen Ali has been their in-form all-rounder.
The key matchup is Chris Green’s off-spin versus KAR’s power-hitters. Green took 3/19 against Lahore in his last outing and was POTM. If he strikes early against Moeen and Salman Agha, KAR’s middle order will struggle.
