Multan Sultan win 2nd match against Islamabad United | © PCB (PSL)
Multan, 20 February 2024: Multan Sultans displayed a masterful performance at the Multan Cricket Stadium, clinching their second successive win in HBL PSL 9 with a five-wicket triumph over Islamabad United. The match unfolded as a tale of stellar bowling and resilient batting, with Mohammad Ali and Abbas Afridi leading the bowling charge and Reeza Hendricks providing the finishing touch with the bat.
Multan’s decision to field first proved strategic as David Willey struck early, sending Alex Hales back to the pavilion for a mere two runs. Ali, maintaining his form from the previous game, showcased impeccable bowling, and a dramatic moment ensued as he dismissed Colin Munro, who was given a second chance due to a no-ball but succumbed shortly after. The wily Abbas Afridi, complemented by leg-spinner Usama Mir, further tightened the screws on Islamabad United.
Salman Ali Agha and Jordan Cox led Islamabad’s recovery, taking on Abbas Afridi and amassing 26 runs off his first two overs. However, a crucial breakthrough came in the 12th over when Usama Mir trapped Cox leg-before, breaking the third-wicket partnership. Ali’s disciplined bowling saw him claim three wickets, while Abbas Afridi and Usama Mir also contributed with three and two wickets, respectively. Willey chipped in with a vital scalp, and Islamabad finished their innings at 144.
Salman Ali Agha emerged as the backbone of Islamabad’s innings, scoring a determined 52 in 43 balls. His partnership with Cox applied significant pressure on Multan, but quick wickets by Abbas Afridi, including the crucial dismissal of Salman, limited Islamabad to 144. Mohammad Ali’s exceptional figures of 3/19 earned him the Player of the Match award, displaying the impact of his crucial bowling spell.
Defending 145, Islamabad United struck early, with Naseem Shah dismantling Dawid Malan’s stumps for a duck. However, Reeza Hendricks and Mohammad Rizwan weathered the storm, constructing a resilient partnership of 71 runs. Rizwan, in particular, played a supporting role with a brisk 43 in 33 balls. His departure brought a momentary hiccup, but Hendricks continued his assault on the bowlers.
Reeza Hendricks’ innings proved to be the game-changer, as he notched up a crucial 58 in 46 balls, featuring six boundaries and a six. Tymal Mills and Naseem Shah managed to pick up vital wickets, but Hendricks’ contribution had already paved the way for Multan’s victory. In the closing moments, Iftikhar Ahmed and David Willey held their nerve, completing the remaining runs in the final over to save the win for Multan Sultans with just one ball to spare.
Key Performances
Mohammad Ali (Multan Sultans): 3/19 in 4 overs (Player of the Match)
Abbas Afridi (Multan Sultans): 3/33 in 4 overs
Reeza Hendricks (Multan Sultans): 58 runs in 46 balls
Salman Ali Agha (Islamabad United): 52 runs in 43 balls
Multan Sultans’ triumph was a result of a well-rounded team effort, with their bowlers setting the stage and Reeza Hendricks providing the much-needed firepower with the bat. This victory not only marks a significant stride for Sultans in HBL PSL 9 but also highlights their balanced approach in both the bowling and batting departments. The team has found a winning formula, and their fans can look forward to more thrilling performances in the tournament.
