LAHORE: The fourth match of Pakistan Super League 2026 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, unfolded as a gripping contest between Islamabad United and Multan Sultans. Despite a rain delay at the start, the game lived up to expectations, producing high-quality cricket and a tense finish.
Multan Sultans, chasing 172, held their nerve to secure a five-wicket victory with one over to spare, thanks to the composure of Ashton Turner and the fireworks of Josh Philippe. Sultans calmly marched 175 for five in 18.4 overs.
Put into bat after Multan Sultans won the toss, Islamabad United managed 171 for eight in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive but fell short of being imposing on a batting-friendly surface.
The innings began with Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas providing a steady start. Conway scored 26 off 23 balls with three boundaries and a six, while Minhas added 28 off 21 balls, striking two sixes. Their partnership ensured United reached 48 before Conway fell in the sixth over. Andries Gous chipped in with a brisk 11 off 9 balls, but his dismissal left United at 69 for two.
The standout knock came from Mark Chapman, who played with fluency and aggression. His 40 off 21 balls, decorated with three fours and two sixes, gave United momentum in the middle overs. However, his dismissal at 130 in the 15th over halted their progress. Captain Shadab Khan managed only 4 off 5 balls, while Haider Ali contributed 13 off 12 balls.
The lower order added crucial runs, with Faheem Ashraf striking 26 off 17 balls and Imad Wasim scoring 8 off 10 balls. A relay catch involving Steve Smith and Ashton Turner dismissed Faheem on the final ball, leaving United at 171 for eight.
Multan’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance, ensuring Islamabad never ran away with the game. Momin Qamar was the pick of the attack, claiming 3 for 24 in 3 overs, breaking partnerships at key moments. Mohammad Wasim took 2 for 42 in 4 overs, while Peter Siddle bowled with control to finish with 1 for 29 in 4 overs.
Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with 1 for 32 in 3 overs, and Arafat Minhas bowled two tidy overs for 1 for 16. Shehzad Gul was economical, conceding just 18 runs in 3 overs, while Ashton Turner bowled a solitary over for 4 runs.
Chasing 172, Multan Sultans began cautiously but lost Sahibzada Farhan early for just 2 runs. The innings was steadied by Steven Smith, who struck 31 off 23 balls with one four and three sixes. His dismissal at 61 in the eighth over brought Shan Masood to the crease, but the left-hander managed only 6 off 6 balls before falling at 70.
The innings then revolved around Josh Philippe, who played a commanding knock of 55 off 35 balls, including five fours and two sixes. He reached his 20th T20 half-century in just 32 balls, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate. Philippe’s partnership with Ashton Turner added 50 runs in 28 balls, keeping Multan ahead in the chase.
After Philippe’s dismissal at 131 in the 15th over, Turner took charge. His unbeaten 43 off 28 balls, with three fours and a six, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He found support from Arafat Minhas, who blasted 25 off 11 balls with four boundaries and a six, ensuring the asking rate never spiraled out of control. Minhas fell at 162 in the 18th over, but Turner, alongside Mohammad Nawaz (7 not out off 5 balls), guided Multan home at 175 for five in 19 overs.
Islamabad’s bowlers fought hard but lacked consistency. Salman Irshad was the most effective, claiming 2 for 28 in 4 overs, while captain Shadab Khan also picked up 2 for 36 in 4 overs. Imad Wasim bowled economically, finishing with 1 for 31 in 4 overs, but the rest of the attack struggled.
Salman Mirza was expensive, conceding 49 runs in 3 overs, while Richard Gleeson gave away 22 runs in 3.4 overs without success. The inability to contain Philippe and Turner in the middle overs proved decisive.
The rain-delayed contest turned into a thrilling encounter, with both sides showcasing their strengths. Islamabad United posted a competitive total but failed to defend it against Multan’s balanced batting effort. Philippe’s class, Turner’s calmness and Minhas’ fireworks combined to secure a memorable win for the Sultans.
For Islamabad, the loss highlighted their reliance on middle-order contributions and the need for greater discipline in bowling. For Multan, the victory reinforced their credentials as strong contenders in PSL 11, with their batting depth and composure under pressure standing out.
