With their sights set on securing the coveted third playoff spot, Islamabad captain Shadab Khan made the strategic decision to field first against Multan after their impressive seven-wicket triumph over Karachi Kings. Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan, made a spirited start, reaching 39/0 within four overs.
However, Islamabad’s Hunain Shah turned the tide by dismissing Yasir with a well-executed delivery in the fifth over. The troubles escalated as Rizwan, in fine form, departed during the powerplay due to Faheem Ashraf’s precise delivery resulting in an LBW.
After the powerplay, Multan stood at 58/2, with new batsmen Usman Khan and Johnson Charles at the crease. The duo accelerated, forming a solid 48-run partnership. Yet, Faheem Ashraf eventually broke their stand in the 14th over. Usman, with an outstanding season average, reached his third half-century in just 31 balls, and with Iftikhar Ahmed, pushed the score to 193/3 by the 17th over.
Usman’s onslaught continued as he reached his second century of the season in just 51 balls, guiding his team to a formidable total of 228/4 by the end of the 20 overs, the highest of the season. Islamabad’s batting faced a shaky start with Alex Hales falling early to David Willey. Their woes deepened as Agha Salman departed in the second over.
However, Colin Munro and skipper Shadab Khan steadied the ship during the powerplay, taking the score to 65/2. Despite Munro’s injury concerns, he raced to a remarkable fifty off just 16 deliveries. The pair aggressively tackled Multan’s bowlers, forming a formidable 141-run partnership and guiding Islamabad to 144/2 in 12 overs.
Shadab’s brisk 54 off 31 balls was crucial, but his dismissal marked a turning point. Islamabad faced another setback when Azam Khan fell for a duck. Pressure mounted further as Munro was dismissed in the 14th over. With Haider Ali also departing, Islamabad was at 191/6 after 17 overs.
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However, Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim staged a remarkable recovery. Needing 26 runs from the final two overs, they managed 13, setting the stage for a thrilling last over. Despite Faheem’s dismissal, Imad Wasim remained determined. With a six and a four off the last two balls, Islamabad clinched a thrilling three-wicket victory over Multan, securing their spot in the playoffs alongside Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi.
