Islamabad United’s openers Alex Hales and Sahibzada Farhan delivered a record-equalling performance in the final league match of PSL 10, posting a 153-run partnership against Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
Their explosive stand now shares the title of the highest-ever opening partnership in Islamabad United’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, matching the 153-run effort by Sharjeel Khan and Shane Watson from the 2016 edition in Sharjah.
Hales blasted 88 off just 35 balls, while Farhan contributed a fluent 73 from 41 deliveries. Together, they laid the foundation for Islamabad’s commanding total of 251/5, which ultimately secured them a spot in the playoffs.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About the PSL 10 Playoffs
This milestone adds to Hales’ growing legacy in the PSL, where he has now featured in two of the top five opening partnerships for Islamabad United. The feat is also a timely boost for the defending champions as they prepare for the playoffs alongside Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, and Lahore Qalandars.
While Islamabad’s 153-run opening stand was remarkable, the overall record for the highest-ever opening partnership in PSL still belongs to Karachi Kings. In 2021, Babar Azam and Sharjeel Khan added 176 runs against Islamabad United in Karachi.
With playoff fixtures set to begin on May 21, Islamabad United’s victory over Karachi has influenced the final seeding. Quetta will now play Islamabad in the Qualifier 1, while Lahore will face Karachi in the Eliminator on May 22 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Read More: Updated PSL Points Table After Three Teams Qualify for Playoffs
Islamabad United – Highest Opening Partnerships in PSL History
| Partners | Runs | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Hales & Sahibzada Farhan | 153 | Karachi Kings | Rawalpindi | May 19, 2025 |
| Sharjeel Khan & Shane Watson | 153 | Lahore Qalandars | Sharjah | Feb 10, 2016 |
| Colin Munro & Usman Khawaja | 137* | Quetta Gladiators | Abu Dhabi | June 11, 2021 |
| Paul Stirling & Alex Hales | 112 | Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi | Jan 30, 2022 |
| Dwayne Smith & Sharjeel Khan | 108 | Peshawar Zalmi | Dubai | Feb 21, 2016 |
| Partners | Runs | Team | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjeel Khan & Babar Azam | 176 | Karachi Kings | Karachi | Feb 24, 2021 |
| Saim Ayub & Babar Azam | 162 | Peshawar Zalmi | Rawalpindi | Mar 8, 2023 |
| Liam Livingstone & Babar Azam | 157 | Karachi Kings | Dubai | Feb 15, 2019 |
| Usman Khan & Mohammad Rizwan | 157 | Multan Sultans | Rawalpindi | Mar 11, 2023 |
| Saud Shakeel & Jason Roy | 157 | Quetta Gladiators | Lahore | Feb 18, 2024 |