KARACHI (Dunya News) – Multan Sultans on Tuesday secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Rawalpindi in the 31st match of Pakistan Super League 11 at the National Bank Stadium, comfortably chasing down a target of 167 with eight balls to spare.
The result further strengthened Multan’s position near the top of the table, while Rawalpindi’s difficult campaign continued with another defeat despite a competitive total built around a composed innings from Daryl Mitchell.
Rawalpindi innings
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Rawalpindi posted 166 for six in their 20 overs, recovering from an early collapse through key middle-order partnerships. The innings was anchored by Mitchell, who remained unbeaten on 58 from 46 deliveries, striking three fours and two sixes.
The start, however, was far from ideal. Rawalpindi lost both Shahzaib Khan and Yasir Khan within the first two overs, leaving them struggling at 6 for 2. The early breakthroughs handed momentum to Multan’s bowlers, who maintained tight lines in the powerplay.
Mitchell then steadied the innings alongside captain Mohammad Rizwan, with the pair adding 63 runs for the third wicket. Rizwan contributed a measured 26 from 29 balls before being stumped off Arafat Minhas in the 11th over.
Following the skipper’s dismissal, Mitchell continued to rebuild, this time with Sam Billings. The fourth-wicket partnership yielded 52 runs off 39 deliveries, lifting Rawalpindi into a more competitive position. Billings added impetus with a brisk 29 off 20 balls, including two boundaries and a six, before falling to Mohammad Wasim Jr in the 17th over.
A late surge came from Dian Forrester, whose explosive 37 not out from just 15 deliveries injected much-needed momentum into the innings. His cameo, featuring three fours and three sixes, combined with Mitchell’s steady presence, produced an unbeaten 45-run stand that carried Rawalpindi to their final total.
Multan’s bowling effort was disciplined, with Mohammad Imran, Peter Siddle, Wasim Jr and Minhas each claiming one wicket, preventing Rawalpindi from accelerating further despite the late flourish.
Sultans chase
In response, Multan Sultans approached the chase with composure, reaching the target in 18.4 overs for the loss of four wickets. The innings was anchored by a fluent half-century from Steven Smith, whose 56 off 31 deliveries proved decisive.
Multan’s chase began cautiously, with opener Sahibzada Farhan dismissed for 20 in the fourth over, leaving the score at 29. Smith, initially measured in his approach, shifted gears after the early wicket and took control of the innings.
He combined with Josh Philippe to add 69 runs for the second wicket, a partnership that put Multan firmly in command. Philippe contributed 17 from 19 balls before both batters were dismissed in quick succession, briefly opening a window for Rawalpindi.
At 100 for 3 in 11.3 overs, with 66 runs still required, the responsibility fell to captain Ashton Turner and Shan Masood. The pair responded with a calm and calculated partnership of 57 runs, ensuring there were no further setbacks as the target drew closer.
Masood made 20 before being dismissed on the first ball of the penultimate over, but by then Multan were within touching distance. Turner remained unbeaten on 37 from 21 deliveries, guiding his side home alongside Arafat Minhas, who added seven not out.
Key performances
While Mitchell’s unbeaten 58 and Forrester’s late cameo gave Rawalpindi a fighting total, their bowling unit struggled to contain Multan’s experienced batting line-up. Asif Afridi was the standout performer with the ball, taking two wickets for 28 runs in his four overs, while Razaullah and Saad Masood picked up one wicket each.
For Multan, Smith’s aggressive yet controlled innings laid the foundation for victory, while Turner’s composed finish ensured there were no late complications. The team’s ability to build partnerships at crucial moments once again underlined their consistency in the tournament.
The win keeps Multan Sultans firmly on track in PSL 11, maintaining their strong form as the competition progresses, while Rawalpindi are left searching for positives after another setback in a challenging season.