Multan Sultans strengthened their push towards playoff qualification with a six-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz, handing their opponents an eighth consecutive defeat in PSL 2026.
Chasing 167, the Sultans maintained control for most of the innings, with Steven Smith’s explosive half-century laying the foundation before captain Ashton Turner guided the chase home with composure in the closing stages.
Rawalpindiz Struggle Before Late Surge
After opting to bat first, Rawalpindiz endured a sluggish start, managing just 19 runs in the first five overs while losing two early wickets. Captain Mohammad Rizwan struggled for fluency, eventually falling for 26 off 29 balls after being stumped off Arafat Minhas.
Daryl Mitchell provided some resistance, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 58 off 46 deliveries. He found support from Dian Forrester, who produced a rapid unbeaten 37 off 15 balls.
Their late acceleration yielded 61 runs in the final five overs, lifting Rawalpindiz to 166/4 on what was otherwise a batting-friendly surface.
Smith Powers Sultans’ Chase
Multan’s reply was driven by a dominant innings from Steven Smith, who ensured a strong start despite early setbacks. He struck multiple boundaries early against Ben Sears and countered tight spells from Mohammad Amir with aggressive strokeplay.
The turning point came in the ninth over, when Smith hit a boundary followed by three consecutive sixes, significantly reducing the required rate. He continued his charge in the middle overs, bringing up a quick half-century off 27 balls.
Turner Steadies the Finish
Although Smith and Josh Philippe fell in quick succession, briefly offering Rawalpindiz a glimmer of hope, the Sultans remained in control. Shan Masood and Ashton Turner rebuilt the innings calmly, keeping the chase on track.
Turner eventually accelerated, targeting Amir in the 17th over with three consecutive boundaries to bring the equation down to manageable levels.
Masood was dismissed before the finish, but the result was sealed in unusual fashion as a leg-side delivery resulted in two wides, handing Multan the victory with one over to spare.
The win reinforces Multan Sultans’ position near the top of the table, while Rawalpindiz’s struggles continue with another defeat in a disappointing campaign.
