Islamabad United triumphed over Multan Sultans to win the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 title, marking their victory after five years, thanks to Imad Wasim’s outstanding all-around performance.
The final, hosted at the National Bank Stadium, concluded with Islamabad United chasing a target of 160 to claim their third PSL championship.
The chase began energetically as Colin Munro and Martin Guptill, Islamabad’s opening pair, scored 20 runs in the initial two overs. However, the early momentum was halted when Munro was dismissed by Khushdil Shah, scoring 17 off 13 balls.
Following Munro’s departure, Islamabad quickly lost Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan, but Guptill’s resilient half-century, scoring 50 off 32 balls, kept their hopes alive. After Guptill’s dismissal, Azam Khan and Imad Wasim formed a brief partnership, contributing to the chase.
Despite a precarious position at 129/7, Islamabad United edged closer to the target, requiring 31 off the last 17 balls. Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah batted judiciously, nearly sealing the game before Mohammad Ali dismissed Naseem.
Needing one run off the final ball, Hunain Shah nudged the ball towards the third man, securing Islamabad United’s thrilling victory.
For Multan Sultans, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah took two wickets each, while Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali, and David Willey each claimed one wicket. Batting first, Multan Sultans set a target of 160, driven by Usman Khan’s 57 off 40 deliveries and Iftikhar Ahmed’s rapid 32-run cameo.
Imad Wasim’s exceptional bowling, yielding 5/22, was pivotal in restricting the Sultans, contributing significantly to Islamabad United’s memorable win.
