LAHORE: The 14th match of the Pakistan Super League 2026 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore witnessed a commanding display from Multan Sultans, who chased down 183 with remarkable ease to defeat RawalPindiz by seven wickets. With this victory, their fourth of the season, Multan consolidated their position at the top of the points table, while RawalPindiz slumped to their third consecutive defeat.
Multan Sultans in their chase of RawalPindiz’s 182 for eight, cracked 186 for three in 16.2 overs. Batting first after losing the toss, RawalPindiz built a total on the back of Sam Billings’ unbeaten 56 off 34 balls. The English wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings with his 38th T20 fifty, striking seven boundaries and a six.
Earlier, Kamran Ghulam (35 off 24) and Dian Forrester (24 off 11) provided momentum, with Forrester thrilling the crowd by smashing three consecutive sixes off Mohammad Nawaz in the 13th over. Contributions from Mohammad Rizwan (19) and Daryl Mitchell (17) kept the scoreboard ticking, but regular wickets prevented RawalPindiz from building a dominant platform.
The Multan Sultan bowlers had mixed fortunes. Faisal Akram (4/31) was the standout, striking regularly to keep RawalPindiz in check. Arafat Minhas (2/22) provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. Peter Siddle (1/31) and Muhammad Ismail (1/24) chipped in with wickets. However, Mohammad Nawaz (0/29 in 2 overs) and Mohammad Wasim (0/44 in 4 overs) proved expensive, allowing RawalPindiz to maintain a healthy run rate.
Multan’s reply was clinical from the outset. Despite losing Steven Smith (5) early, the Sultans quickly regained control through a dazzling second-wicket partnership between Sahibzada Farhan and Josh Philippe. The pair added 110 runs in just 58 balls, dismantling RawalPindiz’s bowling attack with calculated aggression.
Farhan, in sublime touch, registered his 33rd T20 fifty and second of PSL 2026, scoring 68 off 38 balls with four fours and five sixes. His clean hitting kept the required rate well within reach. Philippe matched him stroke for stroke, bringing up his 21st T20 fifty in 27 balls. He struck 56 off 30 deliveries, peppering the boundary with six fours and three sixes.
Their partnership ensured Multan crossed the 100-run mark inside ten overs, leaving RawalPindiz with little room to recover.
After the dismissals of Philippe and Farhan, Multan’s middle order ensured there were no hiccups. Shan Masood (27 not out off 15) played with authority, striking two fours and a six, while Ashton Turner (26 not out off 10) finished the chase in style with two fours and two sixes.
The duo’s unbeaten stand guided Multan to 186/3 in 16.2 overs, completing the chase with 22 balls to spare. RawalPindiz’s bowlers failed to contain Multan’s batting firepower. Mohammad Amir (2/32 in 3 overs) was the only bowler to make a significant impact, while Mohammad Amir Khan (1/44 in 4 overs) picked up a wicket but leaked runs. Rishad Hossain (0/46 in 3 overs) and Asif Afridi (0/35 in 4 overs) were expensive, unable to apply pressure at any stage.
Multan Sultans showcased their batting depth and composure, with Farhan and Philippe’s explosive partnership laying the foundation for a comfortable chase. Shan Masood and Ashton Turner’s finishing touches highlighted the team’s balance and confidence.
For RawalPindiz, despite Billings’ resilience and Forrester’s fireworks, their bowling frailties proved costly yet again. With three consecutive defeats, they face mounting pressure to regroup quickly. Multan’s emphatic seven-wicket triumph not only reinforced their dominance in PSL 11 but also sent a clear message to rivals: they are the team to beat this season.
