Islamabad United constant their dominant run in PSL 10 with a complete 47-run victory over Multan Sultans, maintaining their winning streak at the top of the standings.
Chasing an inspiring target of 203, Multan Sultans’ batting bent to just 155 runs in 18.4 overs. Despite a fighting knock from Captain Mohammad Rizwan, who fastened the innings, the Sultans fell short.
Multan’s chase got off to a rough start when Shai Hope was terminated for just one run on the fifth ball of the innings, leaving the team stressed at 3/1. Usman Khan and Rizwan stabilized the ship with a 59-run partnership for the second wicket. However, the vital partnership ended with Usman’s dismissal off Imad Wasim’s bowling on the second last ball of the power play. Usman scored 31 from 20 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.
Rizwan, who had been holding the innings together, was left with little support as wickets constant to fall at the other end. The Sultans’ chase weakened, and they were eventually bowled out for 155, with Rizwan scoring 38 runs from 27 balls.
Former, Islamabad United had posted a modest total of 202/6 in their 20 overs, despite losing wickets at regular breaks. Sahibzada Farhan was the standout performer with a quick-fire 53 off 35 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. He shared a 45-run opening partnership with Andries Gous, who scored nine before being dismissed by David Willey.
After Farhan’s dismissal, Colin Munro took charge, contributing 48 runs off 25 balls, which included four fours and three sixes. Munro, who was complicated in partnerships with Shadab Khan and Azam Khan, fell in the 16th over, leaving Islamabad at 136/5.
Haider Ali and all-rounder Jason Holder then turned the current in United’s favour, adding a quickfire 49-run stand for the sixth wicket. Haider’s 33 from 16 balls, with three fours and two sixes, helped the team reach a discouraging total. Holder remained unbeaten on 32 as United posted 202/6.
For Multan, Chris Jordan was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 41 runs in his four overs. Ubaid Shah, Usama Mir, Mohammad Hasnain and David Willey all demanded a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent United from acquiring another win.
With this victory, Islamabad United earned two points and currently sit at the top of the PSL 10 points table. Temporarily, Multan Sultans find themselves at the fifth position after their second match.
