By Zainab Shafiq 
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 8 is off to a thrilling start, with the first two matches being nail-biters. The third match of the season will be between Islamabad United and Karachi Kings at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming clash:
Team Overview
The Shadab-Khan-led Islamabad United will be playing their first match of the tournament, while Karachi Kings will be looking to bounce back after their defeat in the opening match against Peshawar Zalmi.
Player Views
“We went for depth in the batting during the draft and earlier in the retention of players. We got the players that we wanted in the draft. Hopefully, the team will do good in PSL 8,” Shadab told Geo News in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
“We could have won the game had Shoaib [Malik] stayed till the end. It was the first game of the tournament and there were a lot of positives. I am happy with the bowling but we need to be a bit clever. The batters have to back themselves to play the big shots,” said Kings’ captain Imad Wasim after the loss against Zalmi.
Key Stats
Head-to-Head: Islamabad United have won 12 out of the 18 matches played against Karachi Kings.
200 Barrier: Despite playing each other on numerous occasions, neither team has crossed the 200-run mark.
Lowest Total: Islamabad United’s lowest total in PSL history came against Kings in 2017 when they were dismissed for only 82 runs in Sharjah.
Best Economy Rates: Former Islamabad pacer Mohammad Sami holds the record for the best economy rate (2) for United in an innings after registering figures of 5-8 in four overs.
Most Sixes in an Innings: Opener Sharjeel Khan holds the record for most sixes in an innings for Kings against United, with eight maximums in Karachi in 2021.
With the history, key stats, and player form in mind, cricket fans can expect another exciting match in the Pakistan Super League.
Also, see:
IU vs KK: Fans eagerly waiting for biggest PSL battle