Multan Sultans win by 5 runs against Islamabad united
The Multan Sultans continued their dominant start to PSL 2024 with a thrilling five-wicket win over Islamabad United on Tuesday. This victory marks their second consecutive win and puts them atop the table alongside Quetta Gladiators.
Pace Powerhouse Ali Stifles Islamabad Batting:
Multan’s bowlers, led by the fiery Mohammad Ali, restricted Islamabad to a modest 144 runs. Ali was on fire, grabbing three wickets for 19 runs, including some eye-catching yorkers in the death overs that shut down any late-innings surge by Islamabad United. He wasn’t alone, as fellow paceman Abbas Afridi chipped in with three wickets of his own for 33 runs.
Hendricks Continues Hot Streak as Multan Chases Down Target:
Chasing a manageable target, Reeza Hendricks continued his impressive form from the previous match, smashing a vital 58 runs off 46 balls. His knock, following his unbeaten 79 against Karachi Kings, cemented his position as a key contributor for the Sultans. Captain Mohammad Rizwan also chipped in with a useful 43 runs before departing.
Sloppy Fielding Costs Islamabad Dearly:
Islamabad’s fielding woes played a crucial role in their defeat. Dropped catches of both Rizwan and Hendricks early in their innings allowed the pair to build a crucial partnership that put Multan in control. These missed opportunities proved costly, as the batsmen capitalized and laid the foundation for the chase.
Naseem Returns with Bang, But Multan Holds Nerve:
Young gun Naseem Shah, returning from injury, provided early hope for Islamabad with a wicket in his first over. However, the Multan batsmen weathered the storm and chased down the target in the final over, securing a hard-fought victory.
Sultans Sit Atop the Table, Islamabad Seeking Improvement:
With this win, the Multan Sultans solidify their position as early favorites, sitting atop the table with four points from two wins. On the other hand, Islamabad United, with two points from two games, needs to address their fielding issues and find more consistency with the bat if they want to challenge for the title.
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