The Multan Sultans secured a win against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)’s ninth edition’s fifth match, held at Multan International Cricket Stadium. The Sultans’ bowlers, Mohammad Ali and Abbas Afridi, were instrumental in limiting United to a modest total. With five wickets in hand, Rizwan led the Sultans to reach the 145-run target in the final over.
This victory marks the Sultans’ second tournament win, following their triumph over Karachi Kings by 55 runs. Chasing 145, Rizwan’s early efforts post-Dawid Malan’s dismissal set the pace with a quick 43 from 33 balls. Reeza Hendricks maintained his form, adding a valuable 58 runs.
Iftikhar Ahmed played a pivotal role in the chase, steering the team to victory with 18* off 17 balls in the last over. Contributions also came from Dawid Willey, who scored seven runs.
Islamabad United’s bowlers, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, and Tymal Mills, each claimed a wicket. Earlier, bowlers Mohammad Ali and Abbas Afridi each took three wickets, holding United to 144. Agha Salman and Jordan Cox’s partnership added 68 runs, overcoming initial challenges. Cox scored 41, while Salman led with 52 runs.
The closing oversaw the fall of the final three United wickets, concluding their innings at 144. Afridi and Ali’s impressive bowling figures contributed significantly to the Sultans’ victory, alongside Usama Mir’s two wickets.
