Multan Sultans Edged Islamabad United Out in a Low-scoring Thriller

Muhammad Waqas

Islamabad United: 144 (20) | A Salman 52(43) | M Ali 3/19 (4)

Multan Sultans: 145/5 (19.5) | R Hendricks 58(46) | N Shah 2/27 (4)

Multan Sultans managed to chase down the target of 145 runs with just one ball to spare.

Chasing a modest target of 145, Multan Sultans faced and setback when Naseem Shah removed David Malan in the first over. Despite consistently good bowling efforts from Islamabad United, skipper Mohammad Rizwan held the innings together with crucial runs. As the game proceeded, Islamabad seemed to gain the upper hand, especially with captain Shadab Khan’s impactful spell that saw the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan.

Reeza Hendricks scored crucisl 58 runs off 46 balls 

However, Multan kept their composure, with Reeza Hendricks playing a vital role in the chase. With Sultans needed 39 runs off 24 balls, Hendricks initiated a counterattack against Shadab Khan, Smashing 2 fours and a six. The 18^th over witnessed a dramatic shift as Tymal Mills dismissed Hendricks, leaving the equation 20 off 15 required. However, crucial six by Iftikhar Ahmed on the last ball of the over handed the momentum to Multan Sultans.

Despite a late wicket by Naseem Shah, David Willey held his nerves and hit a four to Naseem in the second last over. In the Final over, with four runs needed, Multan took a risky single to secure a victory in 19.5 overs.

Earlier, Multan invited Islamabad United to bat, after winning the toss. Islamabad United faced an early blow as David Willey removed dangerous Alex Hales, followed by Mohammad Ali, getting rid of Colin Munro. Jordan Cox and Agha Salman rescued United by adding 68 runs to the scoreboard. However, Usama Mir led to a collapse in Islamabad’s batting lineup by removing Cox (41 runs off 28 balls), and Azam Khan (13 runs off 10 balls). Abbas Afridi followed him and sent Imad Wasim back to the pavilion.

The tail-enders failed to show significant resistance against Mohammad Ali, ultimately leading to Islamabad United being bowled out for 144 runs.  Ali was player of the match for his impressive bowling figures of 3/19 (4).

Turning Point:

The 17th over in the chase proved to be the turning point of the match. Courtesy to Reeza Hendricks, Multan scored 18 runs against the Shadab Khan. The equation changed from 39 off 24 to 21 off 18 required to win.