LAHORE: Multan Sultans continue their winning streak in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9th edition, securing their second consecutive victory with a commanding five-wicket win over Islamabad United in the 5th match held at the illustrious Multan Cricket Stadium.
Reeza Hendricks emerged as the hero of the day, showcasing his batting prowess with a sensational second consecutive half-century.
Chasing a modest target of 145 runs, Multan Sultans faced an early setback when Dawid Malan departed in the very first over, courtesy of a fiery delivery from Naseem Shah that dismantled his stumps. However, skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Reeza Hendricks orchestrated a remarkable 71-run partnership, steering their team towards victory.
Just when Multan seemed to be cruising towards the target, Islamabad United’s captain Shadab Khan injected drama into the contest by dismissing Rizwan with a well-directed leg-break that resulted in a contentious LBW decision. Despite Rizwan’s departure after a commendable knock of 43 runs from 33 deliveries, Hendricks remained unfazed as he continued his splendid form at the crease.
Hendricks showcased his class with an exquisite innings, notching up his second consecutive half-century. His elegant strokeplay, comprising seven boundaries and a six, propelled Multan Sultans closer to victory. However, Tymal Mills managed to break the dangerous partnership by dismissing Hendricks for a well-compiled 58 off 46 deliveries.
With the game finely poised, Islamabad United attempted a late resurgence as Naseem Shah claimed the crucial wicket of Khushdil Shah. Nevertheless, Multan Sultans Iftikhar Ahmed and David Willey displayed nerves of steel, guiding their team to victory on the penultimate ball of the match.
Naseem Shah led the bowling charge for Islamabad United, finishing with figures of 2-27, while contributions from Imad Wasim, Tymal Mills, and Shadab Khan ensured a competitive contest till the end. Ultimately, it was Reeza Hendricks’ brilliance with the bat that sealed the win for Multan Sultans, cementing their position as formidable contenders in the PSL 9 tournament.
Earlier, Multan Sultan skipper Muhammad Rizwan won the toss and invited Islamabad United to bat first.
Multan dominated United from the very first over and managed to get rid of both the openers in the first four overs. Alex Hales was dismissed by David Willey on just 2, while Colin Munro scored just 8 runs before being bowled out by Muhammad Ali.
After losing two quick wickets, the inform Agha Salman and Jordan Cox came to the rescue. Both the batters added 68 crucial runs to the total. However, in the 12th over, Usama Mir managed to break the partnership and got Cox Leg Before the Wicket on 41. At the stage, Islamabad United were 82 for 3 in 11.3 overs. Cox was replaced by Azam Khan. However, he was also dismissed by Usama Mir on 13 runs. At this stage, United were 100 for the loss of 4 wickets in 13.4 overs. Azam was followed by the dismissal of Imad Waseem, who went for a duck, while Shadab Khan scored just 11. Both were dismissed by Abbas Afridi. Meanwhile, Agha Salman completed his terrific half-century; however, in the same over, he was also dismissed by Afridi on 52. At the stage, Islamabad United were 141 for 7 in 18.4 overs. The tail added a few scores to the total. Islamabad United scored 144 all out in the 20 overs.
From Multan, Sultan Muhammad Ali and Abbas Afridi got three wickets each, Usama Mir grabbed 2 while David Willey took one wicket.
Multan Sultan registered its first win against Karachi Kings by 55 runs, while United outclassed Lahore Qalandar to grab precious points in their first match.
Multan Sultans XI
Muhammad Rizwan (c & wk), Dawid Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Yasir Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, David Willey (vc), Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Ali, Olly Stone
Islamabad United XI
Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Jordan Cox, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Ubaid Shah, Tymal Mills
