Let’s talk about a rivalry that has one team absolutely loving life and the other permanently searching for answers.
The Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline is a PSL story told in 25 chapters, and in 19 of them, Islamabad United walked off the field smiling. Karachi Kings, on the other hand, have had to work very hard for their 6 wins.
This is not just cricket. This is a genuine power struggle between two of Pakistan’s most followed franchises. The capital versus the port city. The three-time champions versus the one-time kings.
So if you have been wondering what the full Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline looks like from the very first ball in 2016 to their most recent encounter in 2026, you are in exactly the right place. Pull up a chair.
Last Updated: June 25, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All match data, statistics, and records have been compiled from publicly available and reputable cricket databases. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, readers are encouraged to verify important information with official sources, as cricket records are subject to updates and revisions.
The Quick Snapshot: Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Head to Head
Before getting into the stories, here are the cold hard numbers.
| Stat | Islamabad United | Karachi Kings |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 25 | 25 |
| Matches Won | 19 | 6 |
| PSL Titles | 3 (2016, 2018, 2024) | 1 (2020) |
| Highest Team Total (H2H) | 251/5 (Rawalpindi, 2025) | 201 |
| Lowest Team Total (H2H) | 82 | 75 |
| Leading Run-Scorer (H2H) | Luke Ronchi (historic) | Babar Azam (503 runs in 15 innings) |
| Leading Wicket-Taker (H2H) | Imad Wasim (21 wickets, mostly for KK) | Mohammad Amir |
| Biggest Win Margin | 79 runs (2025) | 44 runs (2017) |
| Win % | 76% | 24% |
The Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings head-to-head record tells you everything. United do not just win this fixture, they own it.
Phase 1 (2016-2019): United Build Their Empire in the UAE
The Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline began in the desert. The first four PSL seasons were played in the UAE, and Islamabad United used those conditions masterfully.
PSL Season 1 (2016): The Rivalry Begins
The first-ever meeting in this Karachi Kings Vs Islamabad United Timeline happened in Dubai. Islamabad won that one by just 2 runs, the narrowest victory in this fixture’s entire history. That nail-biting margin set the tone perfectly. This was never going to be easy, even when United were winning.
They won both league matches in 2016 and went on to lift the PSL trophy that year.
PSL Season 2 (2017): Karachi’s Best Season in This Fixture
The year 2017 was Karachi’s golden chapter in this rivalry. They won three of four encounters, including a 44-run victory in Sharjah. Babar Azam was beginning to announce himself, and Mohammad Amir gave their bowling genuine bite. This remains Karachi’s best-ever head-to-head season against United.
But Peshawar Zalmi pipped both sides to the title that year.
PSL Season 3 (2018): United Reclaim Control
Islamabad got their act together in 2018 and won the PSL championship again. In their Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings clashes that season, United regained the upper hand. Karachi, despite having talent, were inconsistent and could not string results together in this fixture.
PSL Season 4 (2019): Three Straight UAE Wins for United
By 2019, United’s dominance in the UAE was firmly established. They won all three meetings with Karachi that season, including matches in Dubai and Sharjah. At this point in the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline, Karachi fans must have dreaded seeing United on the fixture list.
Phase 1 Summary (2016-2019):
| Season | Matches Played | IU Wins | KK Wins | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Dubai |
| 2017 | 4 | 1 | 3 | Dubai / Sharjah |
| 2018 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Dubai / Sharjah |
| 2019 | 3 | 3 | 0 | Dubai / Sharjah |
| Total | 11 | 8 | 3 | UAE |
Phase 2 (2020-2022): Karachi’s Brief Comeback and United’s Total Domination
PSL Season 5 (2020): Karachi’s Finest Hour
The year 2020 changed everything for the Karachi Kings Vs Islamabad United Timeline story, at least briefly. Karachi Kings had their best-ever PSL season. They swept both encounters against Islamabad United and went all the way to lift their only PSL trophy, beating Lahore Qalandars in the final.
Babar Azam was in spectacular form. Imad Wasim led calmly. Mohammad Amir bowled with precision. For Karachi fans, 2020 was paradise.
Their highest successful chase against United in this fixture also came in 2020, when they chased down 187 at Rawalpindi.
PSL Season 6 (2021): The Tide Turns for Good
From February 2021 onwards, the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline became a one-team show. Islamabad won both meetings in 2021. Karachi, despite fielding strong squads, simply could not unlock United’s plans. The winning streak that began here would eventually reach double digits.
PSL Season 7 (2022): United Win Both, Karachi Struggle
By 2022, Karachi Kings were going through a particularly rough patch in the PSL overall. Against Islamabad specifically, they lost both matches by comfortable margins. United won with ease and were clearly operating at a higher level in this fixture.
Phase 3 (2023-2026): A Dynasty in Full Flow
PSL 2023 and 2024: United Keep Rolling
The PSL Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings chapter from 2023 to 2024 continued in the same direction. Islamabad won their third PSL title in 2024, and their dominance over Karachi remained a key feature of each season.
By the time PSL 2024 arrived, Imad Wasim had actually switched sides and joined Islamabad United, adding another layer to this rivalry’s storyline.
PSL 2025: The 79-Run Hammering
The most one-sided result in the entire Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline arrived in 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Islamabad United posted 251 for 5, their highest-ever total in this fixture. Sahibzada Farhan anchored a brutal batting display. Karachi, chasing an enormous target, folded for a modest score and lost by 79 runs.
It was a statement. United were not just beating Karachi, they were making a point.
PSL 2026 (April 16, Karachi): History Repeats
The latest chapter in the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline took place on April 16, 2026, at the National Stadium in Karachi. It was Match 25 of PSL 2026, and it followed the exact same script.
Karachi Kings posted 150 for 6 in 20 overs, with Reeza Hendricks top-scoring with an unbeaten 51 and Jason Roy contributing a solid 39. The total looked competitive but proved nothing of the sort.
Islamabad United’s opening pair of Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway absolutely dismantled the Karachi bowling attack. Minhas blazed 58 off 36 balls, all timing and aggression. Conway remained unbeaten on 53 off 36 balls, cool and composed throughout. Shadab Khan added some late fireworks.
Islamabad United won by 8 wickets with 24 balls to spare.
It extended the winning streak to 11 consecutive victories over Karachi in the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings rivalry.
PSL 2026 Match Scorecard: KK vs IU, April 16
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi Kings | 150/6 | 20 |
| Islamabad United | 153/2 | 16 |
Karachi Kings Batting (Selected):
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Roy | 39 | 27 | c Shadab b Shadab Khan |
| Reeza Hendricks | 51* | 43 | Not Out |
| Azam Khan | 34 | 26 | c (catch) b Gleeson |
| Moeen Ali (c) | Starts | Starts | b Hasnain |
| Saad Baig | 7 | Minimal | b IU Bowler |
Islamabad United Batting (Selected):
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sameer Minhas | 58 | 36 | st Azam Khan b Moeen Ali |
| Devon Conway | 53* | 36 | Not Out |
| Shadab Khan (c) | 31 | Cameo | Not Out |
Result: Islamabad United won by 8 wickets (24 balls remaining) Player of the Match: Sameer Minhas
Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Stats: Key Records
Every time someone searches for Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Stats, they are really asking two questions: how dominant is United, and what would it take for Karachi to finally turn this around?
Here is a deep look at the record books.
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Most Runs in H2H (all time) | Babar Azam – 503 runs in 15 innings (for KK) |
| Most Wickets in H2H | Imad Wasim – 21 wickets (majority for KK) |
| Highest Total by IU | 251/5 (Rawalpindi, PSL 2025) |
| Highest Total by KK | 201 |
| Lowest Total by IU | 82 (all out, 2017) |
| Lowest Total by KK | 75 |
| Biggest IU Win | 79 runs (PSL 2025) |
| Biggest KK Win | 44 runs (PSL 2017) |
| IU Win Streak (current) | 11 consecutive matches (Feb 2021 to Apr 2026) |
| Highest Successful Chase (KK) | 187/5 at Rawalpindi (PSL 2020) |
| Last KK Win Over IU | March 2020 |
Expert Insight: Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle has noted that in franchise T20 cricket, sustained head-to-head dominance like Islamabad United’s over Karachi Kings typically reflects structural advantages rather than just individual talent. United’s Powerplay run rate of 8.7 runs per over compared to Karachi’s 6.9 in these H2H clashes, a 26% gap, explains much of the scoreline disparity. Karachi will need to fix this Powerplay gap before they can seriously threaten United in this fixture.
Key Players in the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Rivalry
No discussion of the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Matches history is complete without naming the players who shaped it across different eras.
Babar Azam (Karachi Kings Era)
503 runs in 15 head-to-head innings. Even in a losing team, Babar was Karachi’s shield. He showed what this rivalry could be and what Karachi once had. His departure from the franchise reshaped the Karachi Kings Vs Islamabad United Timeline significantly.
Shadab Khan (Islamabad United)
The captain. The heartbeat. Shadab has led United to multiple titles and is consistently their most important player in this fixture. His leg-spin creates pressure and his lower-order hitting wins close games.
Mohammad Amir (Karachi Kings Era)
Amir was Karachi’s bowling weapon in this fixture and in the PSL overall. His 21 wickets across the rivalry are a record, though he has since moved on. When Amir was leading the KK attack, they were genuinely dangerous.
Imad Wasim
The most interesting story in this rivalry. Imad’s 21 wickets came primarily while representing Karachi Kings. He joined Islamabad United in PSL 2024, essentially handing the enemy his wicket-taking brain.
Sameer Minhas (Islamabad United)
The present. The future. His 58-ball performance in the 2026 edition showed exactly why United’s production line never seems to stop. Every time Karachi thinks they have seen the best of United, a new match-winner appears.
Where to Watch Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings
Searching for Where To Watch Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings? Here is the breakdown by region.
| Region | Platform |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, ARY Sports, HBL PSL App |
| India | FanCode (digital), Sony TV (check updates) |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket |
| Global | PSL official YouTube (some matches free) |
Era-Wise Performance: Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Matches
The full Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Matches history, broken down by era, shows how this rivalry evolved from a contested contest to a dominance story.
| Era | Seasons | IU Wins | KK Wins | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Dominance | 2016-2019 | 8 | 3 | IU owned desert conditions |
| Karachi Renaissance | 2020 | 0 | 2 | KK’s title year, only series win |
| IU Total Control | 2021-2026 | 11 | 0 | Longest H2H streak in PSL |
| Overall | 2016-2026 | 19 | 6 | IU dominate 76% |
What Karachi Kings Need to Turn This Around
The Karachi Kings Vs Islamabad United story does not have to stay this way forever. Here is what Karachi need to address:
The Powerplay problem is real. United average 8.7 runs per over in the first six overs in these encounters. Karachi average 6.9. That 1.8 runs-per-over gap across six overs is roughly 11 extra runs United score just in the Powerplay. In T20 cricket, that changes games.
Karachi also need a consistent opening partnership. Jason Roy showed promise in 2026, but one batter carrying the innings is never enough. And on slow Karachi pitches, they need a spinner who can attack rather than just defend.
The squad in 2026, captained by Moeen Ali with David Warner, Khushdil Shah, and Abbas Afridi, has genuine quality. The talent gap has narrowed. But the execution gap remains wide.
Conclusion
The Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline is one of the most compelling stories in PSL history, not because it is evenly contested but precisely because it is not.
Islamabad United have built something that extends beyond individual seasons. Their 19-6 head-to-head lead, their 11-match winning streak, their three PSL titles, these are not flukes. They are the result of consistent planning, smart squad building, and match-winning talent at the top and bottom of every innings.
Karachi Kings, for their part, remain one of the most popular franchises in Pakistan. Their one title in 2020 proved they can win when everything clicks. But in this specific fixture, they have not found an answer for over five years.
The Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings rivalry will keep producing drama because the gulf in head-to-head records makes every Karachi win feel like an event and every United win feel inevitable. That tension is exactly what great rivalries are built on.
Whether you track the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Stats, follow the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Match Scorecard updates, or simply want to know the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Head to Head numbers at a glance, the story always comes back to the same conclusion.
United win. Karachi try again next season.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the overall head-to-head record in the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings Timeline?
Islamabad United lead 19-6 across 25 PSL matches from 2016 to 2026.
Q: When did Karachi Kings last beat Islamabad United?
Karachi last defeated Islamabad United in March 2020, during their title-winning season.
Q: Who is the top scorer in Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings matches?
Babar Azam holds the record with 503 runs in 15 innings for Karachi Kings in this fixture.
Q: Who has taken the most wickets in PSL Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings clashes?
Imad Wasim leads with 21 wickets, the majority taken while representing Karachi Kings before joining Islamabad United in 2024.
Q: What is the biggest win in the Islamabad United Vs Karachi Kings head-to-head history?
Islamabad United’s 79-run victory in PSL 2025 at Rawalpindi is the biggest margin of victory in this fixture.
Q: How many PSL titles has each team won?
Islamabad United have won 3 titles (2016, 2018, 2024). Karachi Kings have won 1 title (2020).
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