Islamabad vs Multan: Philippe and Qamar Shine as Multan Sultans Outclass Islamabad United

Multan Sultans kickstarted their Pakistan Super League Season 11 campaign with an authoritative five-wicket victory over Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium. 

Chasing 172, the Sultans showcased superior middle-order composure to cross the finish line with 175/5 and eight balls to spare.

The chase was defined by a masterclass from Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe. After a cautious start against the new ball, Philippe shifted gears in the powerplay, punishing any width offered by the Islamabad seamers. His half-century (55 off 35 balls) provided the necessary momentum. 

Skipper Ashton Turner played a vital supporting role, striking unbeaten 43 that effectively neutralized Islamabad’s spin twins, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Multan remained ahead of the required rate throughout, ensuring the result was never in doubt.

Earlier in the evening, Islamabad United’s innings was a story of starts that failed to materialize into a match-winning total. After being put in to bat, United struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Multan bowling attack. New Zealand’s Mark Chapman provided the innings with much-needed impetus, bludgeoning 40 runs off just 21 deliveries. However, just as Islamabad looked poised for a late-overs surge, young pace sensation Momin Qamar turned the tide.

Qamar was the architect of United’s downfall, returning figures of 3/28. Deprived of a set batter for the final overs, Islamabad finished on 171/8, a total that felt 15 runs short on a surface that traditionally favors the chasing side under lights.

This victory places Multan Sultans in a strong position in the early league standings. For Islamabad United, the defeat serves as a wake-up call regarding their consistency in the middle overs. 

The two sides are scheduled for a highly anticipated rematch on April 26 at the National Stadium in Karachi, where United will be eager to avenge this opening defeat.