PSL 11: Josh Philippe’s Fifty Guides Multan Sultans to Five-Wicket Win Over Islamabad United
By Bilal Haider :
Josh Philippe struck a composed half-century as Multan Sultans defeated Islamabad United by five wickets in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 172, Multan reached 172-5 with eight balls remaining to secure their first victory of the tournament.
Philippe leads the chase
The Sultans’ pursuit began shakily when opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed in the third over with the score on 16.
Philippe then steadied the innings alongside Steve Smith, with the pair adding 45 runs for the second wicket to revive the chase.
Smith, making his PSL debut, contributed a brisk 31 from 23 balls before being dismissed by Salman Irshad.
Islamabad briefly regained momentum when captain Shadab Khan removed Shan Masood for six in the following over, leaving Multan at 70-3 after 8.5 overs.
Philippe responded by building a crucial 61-run partnership with skipper Ashton Turner. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter was eventually dismissed for 55 off 35 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes.
Turner seals victory
After Philippe’s departure, young all-rounder Arafat Minhas kept the run rate under control with a quick 25 from 11 balls before falling in the 18th over.
Turner remained unbeaten on 43 from 28 deliveries, guiding Multan home, while Mohammad Nawaz added seven not out at the end.
For Islamabad United, Irshad and Shadab Khan took two wickets each, while Imad Wasim claimed one.
United post 171-8
Earlier, Multan captain Ashton Turner chose to field first — a decision that appeared justified as Islamabad finished on 171-8 in their 20 overs.
Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas gave United a steady start, putting on 48 runs for the opening wicket before Conway was dismissed for 26 by Peter Siddle in the sixth over.
Minhas scored 28 before falling soon after, as Islamabad slipped to 75-3 midway through the innings.
New Zealand batter Mark Chapman then provided momentum with an aggressive 40 from 23 balls, including three fours and two sixes, making him United’s top scorer.
Faheem Ashraf added a late boost with 26 from 17 deliveries, helping United push their total past 170.
Sultans’ bowlers deliver
Momin Qamar was the pick of the Multan bowlers, taking three wickets for 24 runs in three overs.
Mohammad Wasim Jr claimed two wickets, while Nawaz, Arafat Minhas and Peter Siddle each took one.
The victory gives Multan Sultans early momentum in the PSL 11 campaign, while Islamabad United will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture.
About Author
