Islamabad United secured a dominant seven-wicket win over Multan Sultans in HBL PSL X, chasing 171 with 17 balls to spare. Andries Gous’ unbeaten 80 led the charge, marking United’s fifth consecutive victory on Wednesday.
The chase kicked off with Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive 22 off 13 balls, setting an explosive tone. Despite his early dismissal by Ubaid Shah, Gous and Colin Munro forged a game-changing 81-run partnership. Gous dominated with six fours and five sixes, while Munro’s 45 off 28 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes, kept the pressure on Multan’s bowlers. Mohammad Nawaz’s steady 21 off 19 sealed the deal, guiding Islamabad to 171/3 in 17.1 overs.
Earlier, Multan Sultans, electing to bat first, posted 168/5. Openers Yasir Khan (29 off 17) and Mohammad Rizwan (36 off 37) built a solid 51-run stand. Usman Khan’s 61 off 40, laced with four fours and four sixes, provided the backbone, but a sharp run-out curtailed his innings. Late contributions from Kamran Ghulam, with a six and a four, pushed Multan to a competitive total, though Islamabad’s bowlers, led by Shadab Khan and Riley Meredith, kept things tight.
Islamabad’s disciplined bowling and explosive batting outclassed Multan’s efforts. Gous’s match-defining knock earned him the player of the match, while Munro’s flair and Nawaz’s composure underscored Islamabad’s depth. Multan, despite Usman’s heroics, struggled to contain Islamabad’s aggressive chase, with their bowlers unable to disrupt the momentum.
This victory solidifies Islamabad United’s dominance in HBL PSL X, showcasing their balanced squad and strategic prowess. For Multan Sultans, the loss highlights the need for sharper bowling execution against top-tier batting line-ups. As the tournament progresses, Islamabad’s form makes them a formidable force, while Multan will look to regroup for their next challenge.
