Multan Sultans kicked off their PSL 2026 campaign with a clinical five-wicket win over Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Momin Qamar’s brilliant 3/24 restricted United to 171/8.
Josh Philippe then anchored the chase with 55 off 35 balls on PSL debut. Captain Ashton Turner stayed unbeaten on 42 as the Sultans reached 175/5 with eight balls to spare.
How Did Islamabad United Bat?
Devon Conway (26 off 23) and Sameer Minhas (28 off 21) gave United a promising start. Conway smashed a four and six off Mohammad Nawaz early on. However, Peter Siddle dismissed him at deep backward point. Momin Qamar then turned the match on its head.
He removed Sameer Minhas at long on and bowled skipper Shadab Khan with a perfect googly. Mark Chapman fought back brilliantly with 40 off 21 balls. On the other hand, no batter managed to build a big partnership.
Chapman fell to Nawaz trying to clear long on. Meanwhile, Faheem Ashraf hit a useful 26 off 17 balls in the death overs. United finished on a below par 171/8 with Momin Qamar claiming 3/24 as the standout bowler.
How Did Multan Sultans Chase?
Steven Smith set the tone immediately. He smashed three sixes in a devastating 21 run fourth over off Salman Mirza, racing to 31 off 23 balls. After his dismissal, Josh Philippe took charge.
He swept and drove with confidence to bring up his fifty with a flick for four off Salman Irshad. Philippe and Turner added a crucial 61 run partnership for the fourth wicket. Shadab Khan dismissed Philippe lbw for 55 with a well disguised googly.
However, Arafat Minhas provided explosive late acceleration with 25 off just 11 balls. Turner sealed the win with a classy wrist flick through mid on for four.
Key Performers
- Momin Qamar delivered 3/24 in 3 overs, including the prized scalps of Sameer Minhas and Shadab Khan
- Josh Philippe scored 55 off 35 balls (5×4, 2×6) on PSL debut to anchor the chase
- Ashton Turner remained unbeaten on 42 off 27 balls, showing excellent composure under pressure
- Steven Smith blitzed 31 off 23 balls (1×4, 3×6) at the top to set the chase up
- Mark Chapman top scored for United with 40 off 21 balls (3×4, 2×6)
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Brief Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad United | 171/8 | 20 |
| Multan Sultans | 175/5 | 18.4 |
| Award | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Player of the Match | Momin Qamar | 3 overs, 24 runs, 3 wickets |
