KARACHI: Islamabad United secured a place in the Pakistan Super League play-offs after hammering Hyderabad Kingsmen by eight wickets at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.

Richard Gleeson, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim picked up three wickets each as Hyderabad Kingsmen were bundled out for 80 in 15.5 overs — the fifth-lowest score in PSL history and the lowest at this venue — after being sent in to bat. Islamabad United then raced to victory in 6.4 overs for the loss of two wickets to move to 11 points.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering final league match for Islamabad United against Multan Sultans in Lahore on Sunday evening, with the winner progressing to the 28 April Qualifier against Peshawar Zalmi.

The losing side will feature in Eliminator One in Lahore on 29 April against one of Hyderabad Kingsmen, Lahore Qalandars or Karachi Kings — all three of whom are locked on eight points after nine matches.

Saturday in Lahore sees Lahore Qalandars take on Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings face Quetta Gladiators, while on Sunday afternoon in Karachi, Hyderabad Kingsmen meet bottom-placed Rawalpindiz.

If Kingsmen, Qalandars and Kings all win their final league matches, they will move to 10 points each and net run-rate will decide which side progresses. Currently, Qalandars lead that contest with a net run-rate of -0.558, ahead of Kingsmen (-1.037) and Kings (-1.063).

If all three lose, Quetta Gladiators will join them on eight points, with the best net run-rate deciding who progresses. Gladiators currently have the best net run-rate among the contenders at -0.355.

Shadab Khan made the decisive calls when he first won the toss and then correctly sent Kingsmen in to bat. Gleeson did the early damage upfront with three for nine, Shadab dismantled the middle order with three for 13, and Imad Wasim proved too hot for the lower middle-order as Kingsmen failed to bat out their overs, dismissed for 80 in 15.5 overs.

Usman Khan top-scored with 25 not out, while Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera and Asif Mehmood scored 12 each.

In reply, Islamabad United sprinted to victory in 6.4 overs with debutant Mohsin Riaz top-scoring with an 18-ball 42 including six fours and two sixes. Sameer Minhas remained unbeaten on 27 off 20 balls with three fours and a six.

Scores in brief:

Match 36 – Islamabad United beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by eight wickets

HYDERABAD KINGSMEN 80 all-out, 15.5 overs (Usman Khan 25 not out, Saim Ayub 12, Kusal Perera 12, Asif Mehmood 12; Richard Gleeson 3-9, Shadab Khan 3-13, Imad Wasim 21)

ISLAMABAD UNITED 83-2, 6.4 overs (Mohsin Riaz 42, Sameer Minhas 27 not out)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Richard Gleeson (Islamabad United)

SATURDAY’S FIXTURE: Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, Lahore; Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore

SUNDAY’S FIXTURES: Hyderabad Kingsmen v Rawalpindiz, Karachi; Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Lahore.