Faisal Akram’s four-wicket spell, combined with commanding half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan and Josh Philippe, guided Multan Sultans to a convincing seven-wicket win over RawalPindiz in the 14th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a target of 183, the Sultans completed the job comfortably with 22 balls remaining, losing only three wickets in the process.
The chase began on a mixed note for the table-toppers as Mohammad Amir removed Steve Smith for five in the second over, with the score at 12. However, the early setback had little impact as Farhan and Philippe quickly seized control of the innings.
The pair put together a dominant 110-run stand for the second wicket, with both batters reaching their half-centuries. Philippe was the first to depart, falling in the 12th over to Amir after scoring a brisk 56 off 30 balls, including six fours and three sixes.
Farhan continued in the same vein but was dismissed 11 balls later by Mohammad Amir Khan after top-scoring with 68 off 36 deliveries, striking five sixes and four boundaries.
With the platform firmly established, Ashton Turner and Shan Masood ensured there were no further hiccups. The duo added an unbeaten 47 runs to take the Sultans home in the second ball of the 17th over. Masood remained not out on 27 from 15 balls, while Turner contributed an unbeaten 26 off just 10 deliveries.
For Pindiz, Mohammad Amir was the most effective bowler, claiming 2 for 32 in his three overs, while Mohammad Amir Khan picked up one wicket.
Pindiz Post 182 Despite Akram’s Four-Fer
Earlier, after being put in to bat, RawalPindiz posted 182 for 8 in their 20 overs, despite a standout bowling performance from Faisal Akram.
Their innings got off to a shaky start when Yasir Khan was dismissed for five by Muhammad Ismail in the third over, with the score at 15. Captain Rizwan then combined with Kamran Ghulam to stabilise the innings through a 33-run partnership before Rizwan fell for 19 in the sixth over.
Ghulam continued to anchor the innings, adding smaller stands with Abdullah Fazal (14) and Daryl Mitchell (17), before being dismissed by Akram in the 10th over after scoring 35 off 24 balls, which included three fours and two sixes.
Sam Billings provided late impetus with an unbeaten 56 off 34 deliveries, hitting seven fours and a six. He also shared a 33-run stand with Dian Forrester, who made a quick 24 off 11 balls, including three sixes.
Akram led the Sultans’ bowling effort with figures of 4 for 31 from his four overs. Arafat Minhas supported with two wickets, while Peter Siddle and Muhammad Ismail picked up one each.
