United Storm Into Qualifier With Clinical Chase

Islamabad United secured second place in the PSL 11 standings after beating Multan Sultans by four wickets on Sunday. The high-stakes clash at the National Bank Stadium saw United chase down 193 with eight balls to spare. The win books United a meeting with Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier on Tuesday. This means Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans thanks largely to a superb unbeaten knock from Mark Chapman. The New Zealand batter remained 69 off 33 balls, striking four fours and six sixes.

United made a shaky start to the chase. Sameer Minhas fell for 1 in the second over with just 10 runs on the board. Devon Conway departed for 18 in the sixth over. Mohsin Riaz added a brisk 25 off 17 balls before becoming Multan’s third wicket. At 72 for 3 in 7.2 overs, the chase hung in the balance. Chapman and captain Shadab Khan then pulled Islamabad back into control with a vital 63-run partnership. Shadab made an important 36 off 28 deliveries. After his dismissal, Islamabad lost a couple of quick wickets, but Chapman stayed composed and finished the job. Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans in the penultimate over.

Earlier, Multan posted 192 for 7 after being put in to bat. Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan gave them a 60-run opening stand, with both openers scoring 30. Islamabad hit back quickly after the powerplay. Salman Mirza removed Smith on the final ball of the sixth over, and Shadab dismissed Farhan on the very next delivery. Shan Masood took charge with 44 off 33 balls. A late counterattack from Arafat Minhas (31 off 19) and Mohammad Wasim Jr (26 not out off 9) pushed Multan close to 200. For Islamabad, six bowlers claimed one wicket each.

The Qualifier now awaits. Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans, and the playoffs begin on Tuesday.