Multan Sultans outclassed Islamabad United by five wickets in an exhilarating encounter at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. The win is a dominant start for the Sultans, powered by a stunning batting display from Josh Philippe and incisive bowling from Momin Qamar.
Chasing a challenging target of 172, Multan faced an early setback when in-form opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 16 in the third over. Philippe then joined Steve Smith, and the pair put together a 45-run partnership to stabilize the innings. Smith’s valiant 31 off 23 balls was cut short by Salman Irshad, and Shan Masood fell for six, leaving the Sultans struggling at 70/3 after 8.5 overs.
Philippe refused to let the chase slip away, forging a decisive 61-run fourth-wicket partnership with captain Ashton Turner before being dismissed by Shadab Khan in the 15th over. Philippe remained unbeaten on 55 off 35 balls, striking five boundaries and two towering sixes. Rising star Arafat Minhas electrified the crowd with a whirlwind 25 off just 11 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six, keeping the chase firmly on track. Turner then guided the Sultans home with a composed 43 not out from 28 balls, supported by Mohammad Nawaz, who remained unbeaten on seven.
Islamabad United’s innings had started strongly, with Devon Conway (26) and Sameer Minhas (28) adding 48 for the opening stand. However, back-to-back dismissals of Sameer and Andries Gous (11) left United struggling at 75/3 in 9.3 overs. Mark Chapman fought back with a brisk 40 off 23 balls, but Qamar struck again to remove Haider Ali (13). Despite late fireworks from Faheem Ashraf, who scored 26 off 17 balls, United finished on 171/8.
The standout performance of the match came from Momin Qamar, whose 3/24 dismantled the United middle order. He was ably supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr, who claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, and Peter Siddle picked up one wicket each.
Multan Sultans’ decision to field first proved pivotal. A combination of sharp bowling and explosive batting ensured a thrilling victory, sending a strong message to the other PSL 11 contenders that the Sultans are a force to be reckoned with.
What an outing for our emerging player Momin Qamar. 👏#totalcricket #makeithappen pic.twitter.com/FhAubZrnoL
— Multan Sultans (@MultanSultans) March 28, 2026
