Colin Munro and captain Shadab Khan led Islamabad United’s epic run chase against table-toppers Multan Sultans in the PSL, as the two-time champions qualified for the playoffs on Sunday.
Colin Munro smashed 84 off 40 balls and Shadab Khan added 54 off 31 balls before Imad Wasim made a crucial unbeaten 30 to propel Islamabad to 232 for 7 for a three-wicket win in its last league game. United finished with 11 points from ten games, while Sultans retain top spot with 12 points and a game in hand.
Pitch and Toss
On a flat batting wicket, Islamabad United skipper Shadab Khan won the toss and will bowl first. Islamabad United made one change in the squad as Naseem Shah comes back in place of Matthew Forde.
Multan Sultans made four changes as , David Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Khushdil Shah, Aftab Ibrahim are out and in come Usman Khan, Yasir Khan, Johnson Charles and Abbas Afridi.
Usman Khan’s historic feat and Multan’s batting show
Usman Khan posted his second successive century in the tournament, as his unbeaten 100 off 50 balls anchored Multan to 228 for 4 after Shadab won the toss and elected to field under overcast conditions. Usman smashed 15 fours and three sixes in his dominant knock as he shared two solid half-century stands with Johnson Charles (42) and Iftikhar Ahmed (13).
Multan Sultans’ opener Usman Khan etched his identify in PSL historical past by turning into the primary participant to attain two centuries in a single version of the match. His explosive 100 off 50 balls, that includes 15 fours and three sixes, propelled Multan to a aggressive complete of 228. Regardless of a shaky begin, Multan’s innings gained momentum by Usman’s bat and a significant partnership with Johnson Charles, who contributed a fast 42 off 18 balls setting a massive target of 229 to chase for Islamabad United.
Early setbacks and Outstanding Partnerships between Colin Munro and Shadab Khan sets up mammoth win for Islamabad United.
Chasing a formidable goal of 229 runs set by Multan Sultans, Islamabad United confronted fast stress as they misplaced top-order batters Alex Hales and Salman Ali Agha throughout the opening two overs. Nevertheless, Islamabad’s captain Shadab Khan stepped up, forging a 141-run partnership that not solely revived the group’s hopes but in addition positioned them in a commanding place.
Shadab’s departure after scoring a quickfire 54 off 31 balls did little to decelerate the momentum, as Colin Munro continued the onslaught with a blazing 84 off simply 40 balls.
United had a bumpy start when David Willey found the thick outside edge of Alex Hales’ bat, and fast bowler Mohammad Ali (2 for 44) snapped a brilliant one-handed return catch to dismiss Agha Salman. Colin Munro and Shadab Khan then put the chase back on track with a 141-run stand as they countercharged against the tournament’s leading wicket-taker Usama Mir (0 for 68) and Chris Jordan (1 for 42).
Colin Munro smashed 84 off 40 balls and Shadab added 54 off 31 balls before Imad Wasim made a crucial unbeaten 30 to propel Islamabad to 232 for 7 for a three-wicket win in its last league game.
Imad Wasim’s calm 30 runs sets Islamabad United win and a playoff spot.
Regardless of the lack of Azam Khan with out troubling the scorers and a middle-order wobble, Islamabad United’s decrease order, notably Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf, added essential runs to maintain their aspect within the hunt. It was Imad Wasim’s calm underneath stress within the remaining over that in the end noticed Islamabad house, marking a memorable victory that not solely showcased the depth of their batting but in addition saved them in rivalry for the PSL title.
Presentations and Road Ahead
Mohammad Rizwan the Losing Captain said : In such high scoring games, the finishing touch is what is needed. Weren’t able to execute out plans based on his injury (Munro). Made some mistakes with field placings.
Shadab Khan the winning captain said : The way we back players, we know they’re match winners and they showed it. It was a proper Pindi pitch. Haven’t been able to finish matches, but the way we finished it off today is a good sign. Munro wasn’t able to perform well at the start, but we wanted to back him. We’ll try to give him milk and turmeric powder to get him fit (joking about Munro).
Colin Munro is Player of the Match for his 84 runs said : Was a hell of a game. The way they came out and put us under pressure with the ball – it was like the Pindi wicket from last year. We had to go out there and fight fire with fire. Once I was battling with the hammy, was about cracking on with every ball. S
Sometimes it shows what a mental game it is. Something like this comes along and makes things clear (hamstring issue). Was a very important game for us. The way Imad played at the end there – he hasn’t been needed much this year. Hopefully I’ll do all the right things between now and the next game to be fit.
Shadab jumped out of his chair as soon as the winning blow was struck and he wasn’t the only one cheering animatedly in that Islamabad dressing room. They’re through to the playoffs having chased down 229 off the last ball in what was a thrilling game here in Rawalpindi. Usman Khan struck a 50-ball hundred for Multan earlier, but he ends up on the losing side with Islamabad completing their highest successful run chase in PSL.
They were reduced to 4/2 in the first two overs, but what followed was a sensational partnership between Colin Munro and Shadab Khan. The two of them put on 141 off just 64 balls for the third wicket. Munro, despite pulling his hamstring early in the innings, scored a blistering 84 off 40 balls, while Shadab made 54 off 31. However, the tide turned again as Abbas Afridi bowled superbly and got the ball to reverse. It came down to 38 needed off the last three overs, and it was eventually Imad Wasim’s quickfire cameo of 30 that got Islamabad over the line.
This thrilling encounter underlines the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, the place the sport can swing wildly till the final ball. Islamabad United’s victory over Multan Sultans not solely secures their playoff spot but in addition units the stage for an thrilling conclusion to PSL season 9, as groups vie for the coveted trophy. Islamabad United finished with 11 points from ten games, while Sultans retain top spot with 12 points and a game in hand.