MS vs ISL U: Sultans beaten, United to face off Zalmi in qualifiers

KARACHI: In the MS vs ISL U clash, Islamabad United secured a comfortable four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in the high-stakes 40th match of PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Mark Chapman’s quick half-century, backed by a disciplined bowling effort, powered United to the win, helping the three-time champions finish second on the points table and set up a Qualifier showdown against Peshawar Zalmi at the same venue on Tuesday.

Chasing a challenging 193-run target in the MS vs ISL U encounter, United reached the total with six wickets down and eight balls to spare. The innings began on a shaky note as Sameer Minhas departed early, followed by Devon Conway and Mohsin Riaz, leaving United at 72-3.

Chapman then anchored the chase with skipper Shadab Khan, stitching a crucial 63-run stand. Shadab contributed a brisk 36 before falling, while Chapman remained unbeaten on 69 off 33 balls, smashing six sixes and four fours to guide United home.

In the MS vs ISL U bowling effort, Faisal Akram picked up two wickets for Sultans, while Peter Siddle, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ismail and Mohammad Imran claimed one each.

Earlier in the MS vs ISL U match, Multan Sultans posted a competitive 192-7 after being put in to bat. Openers Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan gave a strong start with a 60-run stand, both scoring 30 each.

Shan Masood led the middle-order resistance with a 44-run knock, while late fireworks from Arafat Minhas (31 off 19) and Mohammad Wasim Jr (26 not out off 9) boosted the total in the final overs.

For United in the MS vs ISL U game, Chris Green, Salman Mirza, Salman Irshad, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan chipped in with one wicket apiece.

With this win in the MS vs ISL U clash, Islamabad United now head into the Qualifiers full of momentum, where they will take on table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi.