Islamabad United Beats Multan Sultans: Mark Chapman Hits 69 in Strong Chase

KARACHI: In a match 40 of PSL 11, Islamabad United flexed their batting muscle to pull off a stunning four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans at the National Stadium. Chasing a target of 193, United’s middle-order fireworks ensured they didn't just cross the finish line, but did so with eight balls to spare, officially securing a top-two finish on the PSL 11 points table. 

Chapman’s Masterclass Anchors the Chase

Islamabad’s pursuit began with intent but faced early jitters as the Sultans' seamers found some initial movement. However, the momentum shifted decisively when Mark Chapman joined skipper Shadab Khan at the crease. Chapman played an innings of pure calculated aggression, dismantling the Sultans’ spin duo with horizontal bat shots and precise lofted drives. His unbeaten 69 off just 33 deliveries served as the spine of the chase, effectively neutralizing the scoreboard pressure. Shadab Khan provided the perfect foil, contributing a steady 36 that allowed Chapman to take the lead.

The Sultans briefly threatened a comeback when they dismissed both set batters in quick succession, but Islamabad’s depth proved too much to handle. The middle order continued the onslaught, ensuring that the required run rate never spiraled out of control. Despite a disciplined opening spell from the Sultans, the death bowling lacked the yorker-length precision required to halt United’s charge. By 19th over, Islamabad United cruised to 193/6, ending the group stage on a triumphant note.

Multan’s Total Falls Short Despite Minhas’ Late Surge

Earlier in the evening, Multan Sultans put into bat, putting together a clinical yet ultimately insufficient 192/7. The innings was characterized by solid starts that failed to convert into a massive individual score in powerplay. Shan Masood anchored the top order with a composed 44 off 33 balls, navigating through Islamabad’s varied bowling attack. However, United’s bowlers kept picking up wickets at crucial intervals to prevent Multan from running away with the game during the middle overs.

It was Arafat Minhas who provided the late-innings impetus, smashing an unbeaten 31 off 19 balls to push the total past the 190-run mark. His cameo injected life into the Sultans’ dugout and gave their bowlers a fighting chance. With his outstanding performance, Multan Sultans ended with 192/7. 

Yet, Islamabad’s ground fielding and death-over execution, barring a few expensive overs, kept the target within the "attainable" category on a pitch that favored stroke-making. 

While 192 would have been a winning total on most nights, the sheer firepower of the United lineup proved that, on this occasion, Multan was about 15 runs short of safety.