Dazzling Performance by Hendricks and Bowlers Secures Thrilling Last-Over Victory for the Sultans!

Multan Sultans Triumph Over Islamabad United in PSL Clash

In a captivating clash that unfolded in Multan on Tuesday (February 20), CricAdvisor witnessed a gripping showdown between Multan Sultans and Islamabad United. A controlled fifty from Reeza Hendricks (58 off 46) set the stage for Multan’s scrappy five-wicket win, with the bowlers delivering a stellar performance.

Bowlers Shine in Multan’s Victory

The Multan Sultans’ bowlers played a pivotal role in their triumph, with Mohammad Ali (3/19) impressing with the new ball and at the death. Abbas Afridi (3/33) and Usama Mir (2/29) provided crucial support, creating a formidable attack that chipped away at Islamabad United’s wickets.

Rizwan’s Surprising Call and Potent Bowling Show

Surprisingly opting to bowl first on a two-paced surface, Multan skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s decision raised eyebrows. However, his bowlers justified the call, putting up a potent show right from the start. David Willey and Mohammad Ali applied early pressure, causing trouble for Islamabad’s explosive opening pair of Alex Hales and Colin Munro, who succumbed within the powerplay.

Salman and Cox Steer the Ship for Islamabad

Agha Salman (52 off 43) and Jordan Cox (41 off 28) provided a solid response, steering Islamabad’s innings with a 68-run stand. Despite Salman’s luck with dropped catches, boundaries began to flow as the duo settled in. However, Multan’s Usama Mir stifled the momentum with accurate probing, leading to Cox’s dismissal with a well-executed switch hit.

Sultans’ Death Bowling Shines, Islamabad Stumbles

Azam Khan’s aggressive intent against Mir backfired, and Multan’s bowlers, attacking the stumps, kept the pressure on. Skipper Shadab Khan’s surprising decision to demote himself to no.7 added to Islamabad’s woes. Sultans’ death bowling proved to be on point, causing a crash-landing for Islamabad with just four runs off the last 11 balls, resulting in four wickets.

Multan’s Steady Chase

In the chase, Naseem Shah’s early strikes created some drama, but Multan skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s intent and partnership with Reeza Hendricks (71 for the second wicket) steadied the ship. Despite Rizwan’s dismissal, Multan maintained control, putting on a clinic of controlled aggression.

Hendricks’ Explosive Assault Seals the Deal

As the required rate escalated, Reeza Hendricks switched gears, taking apart Shadab Khan in a final over onslaught, spoiling the spinner’s figures and bringing the equation within reach. Although Hendricks fell in the next over, timely hits from Iftikhar Ahmed and David Willey secured the win, albeit with a margin too close for comfort.