PSL 11: Mark Chapman stars as Islamabad United secure top-two finish with clinical win over Sultans
PSL 11: Mark Chapman stars as Islamabad United secure top-two finish with clinical win over Sultans
By Nawaz Gohar ; A masterclass in power-hitting from New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, combined with a disciplined collective bowling effort, propelled Islamabad United to a commanding four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in the 40th match of PSL 11.
The win ensures United a second-place finish in the standings, setting the stage for a mouth-watering Qualifier clash against table-leaders Peshawar Zalmi this Tuesday.
Chasing a formidable 193, United’s pursuit began on shaky ground. Young opener Sameer Minhas fell for just one in the second over, and though Devon Conway (18) and Mohsin Riaz (25) showed glimpses of aggression, United found themselves stuttering at 72/3.
The momentum shifted when skipper Shadab Khan joined Mark Chapman. The duo anchored a crucial 63-run partnership, with Shadab playing a captain’s knock of 36 off 28 balls. While a mini-collapse followed Shadab’s exit in the 15th over, Chapman remained an immovable force.
The Kiwi international unleashed a barrage of boundaries, finishing unbeaten on 69 off just 33 deliveries. His explosive innings, decorated with six towering sixes and four boundaries, guided United home with eight balls to spare. For the Sultans, Faisal Akram claimed two wickets but proved expensive, conceding 41 runs.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Multan Sultans posted a competitive 192/7. The platform was laid by the world-class opening pair of Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan, who raced to 60 within the Powerplay. However, the tide turned when Salman Mirza dismissed Smith on the final ball of the sixth over, followed immediately by Shadab Khan removing Farhan on the very next delivery.
Vice-captain Shan Masood took charge in the middle overs, top-scoring with a resilient 44 off 33 balls. Despite his efforts, United’s bowlers—led by the economical Chris Green and Imad Wasim—kept chipping away at the wickets.
The Sultans looked set for a modest total until a late-inning explosion from Arafat Minhas and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Minhas struck a rapid 31, while Wasim Jr hammered an unbeaten 26 off just 9 balls. This late-order pyrotechnics saw the Sultans plunder 55 runs in the final three overs, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to stop the United juggernaut.
With the group stage concluded, the focus shifts to the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday. Islamabad United’s victory has confirmed a “clash of the titans” against Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier, where the winner will head straight to the PSL 11 Grand Finale.
