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MULTAN: Andries Gous’ explosive batting and a strong bowling display led Islamabad United to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in the 13th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a below-par score of 169, Islamabad United comfortably knocked the winning runs on the loss of three wickets with 17 balls to spare.
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 of 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.
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.
Earlier, Usman Khan’s determined half-century helped the Multan Sultans reach a fighting total against Islamabad United.
After opting to bat, Multan Sultans scored 168 for the loss of five wickets in their allocated 20 overs.
Multan Sultans’ openers Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan provided a solid start with a 51-run partnership, before Yasir’s removal after an enterprising knock of 29 off 17 balls. His innings featured two fours and two sixes.
After the wicket, the incoming batter Usman Khan partnered with Mohammad Rizwan, forging a solid 65-run stand, bringing the team’s total to 116 runs in 13.3 overs.
The partnership kept United bowlers at bay until Shadab Khan broke through, taking Rizwan’s wicket. The right-hander was dismissed after scoring 36 runs off 37 deliveries, with the help of three fours.
The wicket halted Multan Sultan’s momentum, who were once in a strong position to score well over 180. However, Usman Khan held firm at one end while wickets tumbled on the other end.
The middle order batters of Multan Sultans, Michael Bracewell (9) and Iftikhar Ahmed (10), were removed in the 15th and 17th over, after struggling innings. This was largely due to Islamabad United disciplined bowling, which prevented them from freeing their hands in the last phase of the innings.
Usman Khan remained the top scorer with 61 off 40 deliveries, laced with four fours and four sixes.
For Islamabad United, it was an all-round bowling effort with Jason Holder, Shadab Khan, Riley Meredith, and Mohammad Nawaz each taking one wicket.
PLAYING XIs
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Josh Little, Ubaid Shah
Islamabad United: Andries Gous (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (c), Muhammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Salman Irshad
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