Islamabad United will meet Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League qualifier after a four-wicket victory against Multan Sultans.
Islamabad Leapfrog Multan
The winner of the final league-stage game had the chance to clinch second place and a spot in the qualifier. This offered a direct route to the final with a win, or a second chance via a second eliminator if defeated.
Islamabad clinched the opportunity as Mark Chapman starred with an unbeaten 69 from 33 balls. They chased down Multan’s 192-7 in Karachi to leapfrog their opponents on the table.
Multan, who finished third, will now play fourth-placed Hyderabad Kingsmen in the first eliminator on 29 April.
How the Game Unfolded
Batting first, Multan were given early momentum by openers Sahibzada Farhan and Steven Smith, who both scored 30. Shan Masood added a 33-ball 44 to take them to 129-4 in the 16th over.
After Masood’s departure, Arafat Minhas and Mohammad Wasim ensured they finished strongly. Mohammad Wasim struck an unbeaten 26 from nine balls.
Islamabad lost opener Sameer Minhas early, but Shadab Khan scored 36 from 28 balls before Chapman took control of the chase.
The New Zealand all-rounder found support from Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf as he guided Islamabad to the decisive victory with eight balls to spare.
What’s Next
Islamabad United now face Peshawar Zalmi in the qualifier, offering a direct route to the final. Multan Sultans will play Hyderabad Kingsmen in the first eliminator on 29 April.