'We were 20 runs short,' Mohammad Rizwan on defeat against Islamabad United

MULTAN: Mohammad Rizwan, Multan Sultans captain, opened up after the defeat to Islamabad United in the 13th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Chasing a below-par score of 169, Islamabad United comfortably reached the target, losing just three wickets with 17 balls to spare at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday night.

Islamabad United were off to a flying start in pursuit of the target, posting 29 in 2.4 overs, before Sahibzada Farhan’s wicket.

Farhan led the United charge with an enterprising 22 off 13 balls, laced with three fours and a six. He scored 16 runs in Bracewell’s second over, setting an early tone for the chase.

After the wicket, Multan Sultans sensed an opportunity to restrict the Islamabad United batters; however, incoming batter Colin Munro, alongside Andries Gous, built an 81-run partnership, elevating United to 110 runs in 10.4 overs.

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Munro was eventually removed for a brilliant 45 off 28 deliveries, smashing five fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Gous remained firm, reaching his maiden PSL half-century.

Gous formed another 55-run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz, eclipsing United’s dominance in the tournament. Nawaz was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the 16th over after scoring a 19-ball 21 just when United needed four runs for the victory.

Nonetheless, Gous remained unbeaten and took his team over the line. The opener struck six fours and five towering sixes in his blazing knock.

For Multan Sultans, Ubaid Shah, Chris Jordan, and Michael Bracewell took one wicket each.

While speaking during the post-match presentation, Rizwan asserted that Multan Sultans were 20 runs short in the first innings.

“I think we were about 20 runs short today. Our target was somewhere around 180+ on this pitch. In the second innings, the ball was coming onto the bat quite nicely, which made things tougher for our bowlers,” he said.

Rizwan highlighted concerns in Multan Sultans’ bowling attack while praising Islamabad United for their disciplined performance.

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“Our powerplay bowling has been a bit of a concern. Credit to Islamabad United—they bowled really well up front and that’s an area we need to learn from, ” he remarked.

Mohammad Rizwan expressed optimism about the upcoming matches, recalling their previous title-winning campaign.

“The team environment is still positive, and we’re fully aware that every game from here is a must-win. If you look back at our title-winning campaign, we also lost the first three matches. So, let’s see what happens—we’re staying hopeful and focused,” he concluded.

READ: Islamabad United thrash Multan Sultans for fifth straight win in PSL 10