Liam Livingstone was unable to help Karachi Kings reach the second eliminator of the Pakistan Super League, as they were defeated by four wickets by Islamabad United.

The Barrow-born batsman contributed 30, batting at number three, after the Kings won the toss and elected to bat on their home turf, and they looked set to post a big total after reaching the midpoint of their innings on 100-1.

But the dismissal of Livingstone when he launched Shadab Khan to Faheem Ashraf at long on triggered a collapse that led to them limping to 161-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

Babar Azam top-scored for Karachi with 42 off 32 balls, while Muhammad Musa (3-42) was the pick of the Islamabad bowlers.

It was nip and tuck for most of United’s run chase, which was aided by a solid 41 by Livingstone’s fellow England international Alex Hales.

However, some big hitting from the visitors’ middle order meant that they needed just six runs off the final over, which was bowled by Mohammad Amir.

Ashraf belted four of those off the final over, but was then caught at deep point by Aamer Yamin before Asif Ali flicked a four off his pads to finally clinch victory with three deliveries to spare.

Islamabad will face Peshawar Zalmi tomorrow for the right to play Quetta Gladiators in Sunday’s final, while Livingstone can now prepare for his stint in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals.