Pindiz vs Multan Sultans: Sahibzada scores 68 to chase 182 in 16.2 overs

Multan Sultans secured a commanding seven-wicket win over RawalPindiz in the 14th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium, powered by blistering half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan and Josh Philippe.

Chasing 183, the Sultans reached the target in just 16.2 overs, losing three wickets along the way. Early troubles came when Mohammad Amir dismissed Steve Smith for five in the second over, leaving the Sultans at 12-1.

However, Farhan and Philippe turned the game around with a 110-run partnership for the second wicket. Philippe struck a quick 56 off 30 balls, while Farhan top-scored with 68 from 36 deliveries, hitting five sixes and four fours. Both batters’ efforts ensured the chase stayed on track before Mohammad Amir broke the stand in the 12th over.

Following their departures, skipper Ashton Turner and deputy Shan Masood guided the Sultans home with a calm 47-run unbeaten partnership. Masood finished on 27 off 15 balls, while Turner remained not out on 26 from just 10 deliveries.

Earlier, Sam Billings’ unbeaten half-century helped Pindiz post a fighting total of 182-8 against Multan Sultans in the 14th match of the PSL-11.

Put into bat first, Pindiz got off to a shaky start as opener Yasir Khan was dismissed by Muhammad Ismail in the third over for just five runs, leaving the team at 15-1.

Captain Rizwan joined Kamran Ghulam at the crease, and the duo batted sensibly to put on a 33-run partnership for the second wicket.

Rizwan fell for 19 off Arafat Minhas in the sixth over, bringing Ghulam into brief partnerships with Abdullah Fazal (14) and Daryl Mitchell before getting out to Faisal Akram for 35 off 24 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes.

Sam Billings walked in at No.6 and played a valiant innings, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 34 balls, laced with seven fours and a six.

He shared a 33-run partnership with Dian Forrester, who played a blistering cameo of 24 runs off just 11 deliveries, including three sixes, ensuring RawalPindiz reached a challenging total.

Despite the strong batting effort, Faisal Akram spearheaded Multan Sultans’ bowling attack with a four-wicket haul for 31 runs in four overs.

Arafat Minhas picked up two wickets, while Peter Siddle and Muhammad Ismail claimed one scalp each.

Pindiz will now hope their total is enough to put pressure on Multan Sultans and claim their first win of the tournament.

While defending their total, which they coudn’t when it comes to their fielding strategy, Mohammad Amir was the standout bowler, for Pindiz. Amir claimed 2-32 in three overs, with Muhammad Amir Khan taking one wicket.

Multan Sultans remain atop the PSL table, showing why they are strong contenders this season.