Islamabad United crowned PSL 9 champions after last bowl thriller against Multan Sultans

KARACHI – Islamabad United were crowned Pakistan SuperLeague (PSL 9) champions for a record-equalling third time after a dramatic last-ball victory over Multan Sultans in final showdown.

Chasing 160 in high voltage game, red-hot Islamabad United got off to a flying start with Colin Munro and Martin Guptill firing salvo.

Munro, the bruising left-hander, was dismissed by Khushdil Shah in 4th over after scoring mere 17. Salman Ali Agha was next to return to pvilion with helping much.

Skipper Shadab Khan also failed to perform, but Guptill held the innings together with a solid partnership with United powerhouse Azam Khan. Guptill was top-scorer with 50 off 32 balls before being run out.

Khan played a quick knock of 30 while Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf fell in consecutive overs, leaving United at 129/7. Sensational Imad Wasim and talented Naseem Shah then took charge, but Mohammad Ali dismissed latter on the penultimate delivery, leaving United in jeopardy.

Hunain Shah ran the last ball of the final hitting boundary.

The electrifying atmosphere in Karachi at the #HBLPSLFinal 🤩#HBLPSL9 | #KhulKeKhel | #MSvIU pic.twitter.com/YCrGvOFuGl

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 18, 2024

In first half of game, United’s Imad Wasim was sensational as he completed five wickets haul, helping his side to restrict confident Multan Sultans on 159/9 on Monday at Karachi’s National Bank.

In the main event, Usman Khan’s solid half-ton and Iftikhar’s quick knock powered Multan Sultans to make a comeback in high voltage game after a murky start.

Sultans opener Yasir Khan returned early as he was first target of red hot Imad Wasim. David Willey also returned cheaply to Imad after hitting a maximum.

Skipper Rizwan and Usman then stitched a decent total with 53-run partnership before Rizwan was dismissed by Shadab Khan for 26. Usman then advanced his innings, forming brief partnerships with Johnson Charles and Khushdil Shah before being dismissed for 57.

Wasim continued to target more players, reducing Sultans to 127/9. Iftikhar Ahmed’s quick 32 off 20 balls provided some late fireworks. Imad took 5/22, while Shadab picked up 3/32 for United.

The final event of Pakistan Super League 2024 shows table toppers Multan Sultans and Islamabad United in action at Karachi Stadium.

Multan Sultans saw impressive PSL campaign as they bagged 7 out of 10 matches, and are set to face Islamabad United, who are known for their resilience. Sultans, who won their maiden PSL title in 2021, are looking to reclaim the trophy after losing to Lahore Qalandars in the final last season.

They secured their spot in the final by defeating Quetta Gladiators in the first playoff, with standout performances from Mohammad Rizwan, David Willey, and Usama Mir.

Islamabad United had murky start to this years’ league but they bounced back strongly, winning six of their last seven matches.

Shadab Khan’s side outclassed Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi in the knockout stage. They won their only PSL title in 2018 and are looking to win their second title this year.

Both teams have won and lost one match against each other this season, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown.