Sultans Edge United in Thrilling HBL Pakistan Super League Encounter

MULTAN: In a contest characterized by fluctuating momentum, the determining factor was composure under pressure. Ultimately, Multan Sultans emerged victorious, overcoming Islamabad United.

In a match where both teams remained competitive until the final ball, the Sultans managed to maintain a slight edge when it counted most, clinching the game by five wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

With Reeza Hendricks contributing a crucial half-century and captain Mohammad Rizwan anchoring the innings, Multan kept their hopes alive throughout. However, it was Iftikhar Ahmed's quickfire 18-run cameo that propelled them over the finish line as they successfully chased down a target of 145 runs.

Struggling initially, Iftikhar found his form just in time, particularly after Hendricks departed following a wicket by Tymal Mills in the midst of the 18th over.

In a match characterized by tense moments, the responsibility fell on the shoulders of senior player Iftikhar Ahmed, who came through when it mattered most for Multan Sultans. His crucial six over deep midwicket off left-armer Tymal Mills left Multan needing 13 runs in the last two overs.

Although Naseem Shah's dismissal of Khushdil Shah momentarily tilted the balance in favor of Islamabad United, tailender David Willey's boundary through the off-side dashed their hopes. With just four runs required in the final over bowled by Mills, Multan secured their second win in two games with singles, as Iftikhar's desperate run sealed the victory.

Despite Islamabad's strong performance, highlighted by Reeza Hendricks' half-century and Mohammad Rizwan's impactful innings, including punishing wayward deliveries and skillful stroke play, Multan's disciplined bowling led by Abbas Afridi and Mohammad Ali restricted Islamabad to a manageable total.

Abbas Afridi and Mohammad Ali's exceptional bowling, complemented by tight fielding, particularly by Jordan Cox and Alex Hales, stifled Islamabad's batting order. Despite a valiant effort from Salman Ali Agha, Multan's bowlers, led by Ali, dominated the latter stages of the innings, securing a crucial win for the Sultans.