The rivalry between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United is one of the most interesting matchups in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Both franchises have been part of the tournament since its inaugural season in 2016, and their meetings have produced several close finishes, high-scoring contests and important playoff encounters. Karachi vs Islamabad head to head in psl
However, when the overall head-to-head record is considered, Islamabad United have a clear advantage over Karachi Kings. According to the latest available PSL records, the two teams have played 25 matches, with Islamabad United winning 19 and Karachi Kings winning 6. There have been no ties or no-results in their PSL meetings.
Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Karachi Kings | Islamabad United |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 25 | 25 |
| Wins | 6 | 19 |
| Losses | 19 | 6 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Score | 201 | 251/5 |
| Lowest Score | 75 | 82 |
| Overall Advantage | — | Islamabad United |
The figures show just how strongly Islamabad United have dominated this fixture. The official PSL report after their April 2026 meeting stated that Islamabad extended their overall advantage to 19-6 and had won 11 consecutive matches against Karachi. Karachi vs Islamabad head to head in psl
Early Years of the Rivalry
The rivalry began in the inaugural PSL season in 2016. Islamabad United won the first three meetings between the teams, including a nine-wicket victory in the Eliminator. Karachi Kings eventually registered their first victory against Islamabad in the following season.
The 2017 season was particularly memorable for Karachi. They defeated Islamabad United three times, including a 44-run victory in the Qualifying Final. That result was one of Karachi’s strongest performances against Islamabad during the early years of the PSL.
Islamabad, however, soon regained control of the matchup.
Karachi Kings’ Best Period
Karachi’s most successful period against Islamabad came around 2017 and 2020. In 2017, the Kings won three matches against United, demonstrating their ability to handle Islamabad’s bowling attack and chase targets successfully.
In 2020, Karachi also defeated Islamabad twice. They won the March 1 meeting by five wickets after chasing 184, and then won another contest on March 14 by four wickets.
These victories briefly suggested that Karachi could turn the rivalry around. But Islamabad United responded with a remarkable winning run from 2021 onward.
Islamabad United’s Dominance
The biggest difference between the two sides has come in recent seasons. Islamabad United have consistently found ways to beat Karachi, whether defending totals, chasing targets or winning close matches.
In 2021, Islamabad won both meetings. They chased 197 in one match and 191 in another. In 2022, they again won both encounters, including a thrilling one-run victory after scoring 191/7.
The dominance continued in 2023 and 2024. Islamabad defeated Karachi twice in 2023, including a high-scoring six-wicket win after Karachi posted 201/5. In 2024, United again won both meetings, by seven wickets and five wickets respectively.
This consistency has made Islamabad the clear favorite in the historical head-to-head battle.
2025 Meetings
The 2025 PSL season added two more victories to Islamabad United’s record.
In the April meeting, Karachi Kings scored 128/7, but Islamabad chased the target with four wickets in hand and 17.1 overs. Later in the tournament, Islamabad produced a huge 251/5, while Karachi were dismissed for 172. United won that match by 79 runs.
The 251/5 remains Islamabad United’s highest score against Karachi Kings, while Karachi’s highest total in this matchup is 201/5.
2026: Islamabad Extend Their Lead
The rivalry continued in 2026, with Islamabad United again defeating Karachi Kings.
On April 16, 2026, Islamabad won by eight wickets in Karachi. The official PSL report confirmed that this victory extended Islamabad’s overall head-to-head advantage to 19 wins against Karachi’s six and marked their 11th consecutive victory over the Kings.
That result further established Islamabad United’s dominance in one of the PSL’s longest-running team rivalries.
Highest Scores in the Rivalry
Batting has played a major role in the history of this fixture. Both teams have produced impressive totals, but Islamabad United hold the record for the highest score.
Islamabad United – 251/5
Islamabad’s 251/5 against Karachi in May 2025 is the highest team total in this head-to-head. It was an outstanding batting performance and resulted in a 79-run victory.
Karachi Kings – 201/5
Karachi’s highest total against Islamabad is 201/5, scored in March 2023. Despite crossing the 200-run mark, Karachi were unable to defend the total as Islamabad chased it successfully.
Lowest Scores
The lowest team totals also demonstrate the contrasting fortunes of the two franchises.
Karachi Kings’ lowest score against Islamabad is 75, recorded during the 2017 season. Islamabad United’s lowest total is 82, also recorded in 2017.
These figures show that the matchup has occasionally produced difficult batting conditions, particularly during the early PSL seasons.
Why Islamabad United Have the Advantage
There are several reasons behind Islamabad’s superior head-to-head record.
First, Islamabad have often performed well under pressure. Their victories include several close finishes, including a one-run win in 2022.
Second, Islamabad’s batting has frequently been strong enough to chase challenging targets. Their successful pursuit of Karachi’s 197 in 2021 is an excellent example.
Third, United have maintained their dominance across different generations of players. While squads and captains have changed over the years, the franchise has continued to find success against Karachi.
Karachi, meanwhile, have struggled to stop Islamabad’s momentum. Their six victories are concentrated heavily in particular periods, while Islamabad’s wins have been spread across almost the entire history of the competition.
Recent Head-to-Head Trend
The recent record is particularly one-sided. Before the 2026 meeting, Islamabad had already won the previous five encounters listed by ESPN, including both 2025 matches, both 2024 matches and the March 2023 meeting.
The April 2026 victory extended that sequence further.
This means Karachi Kings face a significant challenge whenever they meet Islamabad United. Historical records do not determine the result of a future match, but the long-term numbers clearly favor Islamabad.
Conclusion
The Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United head-to-head record in PSL strongly favors Islamabad United. Across 25 matches, Islamabad have won 19, while Karachi have managed only 6 victories. There have been no tied or abandoned matches in the recorded head-to-head.
Karachi have enjoyed memorable victories, particularly in 2017 and 2020, but Islamabad have dominated the rivalry over the longer term. Their sustained winning streak since 2021 has widened the gap considerably.
With Islamabad holding the advantage in wins, recent form and the highest team total, they enter this rivalry with a major statistical edge. Karachi Kings, however, remain capable of producing match-winning performances, and every new PSL encounter gives them another opportunity to challenge Islamabad’s dominance.
5 FAQs
1. How many times have Karachi Kings and Islamabad United played in PSL?
Karachi Kings and Islamabad United have played 25 PSL matches against each other.
2. Who has won more matches between Karachi Kings and Islamabad United?
Islamabad United have the better record, winning 19 of the 25 matches, compared with Karachi Kings’ six victories.
3. What is Karachi Kings’ highest score against Islamabad United?
Karachi Kings’ highest score against Islamabad United is 201/5, scored in the 2023 PSL season.
4. What is Islamabad United’s highest score against Karachi Kings?
Islamabad United’s highest score against Karachi Kings is 251/5, achieved in May 2025.
5. Who dominates the recent Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United rivalry?
Islamabad United have dominated the recent rivalry. Their April 2026 victory extended their head-to-head advantage to 19-6 and their winning streak against Karachi to 11 consecutive matches