Multan Sultans defeated Islamabad United by five wickets in the fourth match of Pakistan Super League 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 172 runs, the Sultans comfortably reached the total with five wickets in hand and eight balls remaining.
The innings began on a shaky note as in-form opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed early with just 16 runs on the board. However, Josh Philippe and Steve Smith steadied the chase with a crucial 45-run partnership. Smith scored 31 runs off 23 balls before being dismissed.
The Sultans suffered another setback when captain Shadab Khan removed Shan Masood, leaving them at 70 for 3. Philippe then built a match-winning 61-run stand with captain Ashton Turner.
Philippe was the top scorer with an impressive 55 off 35 balls, including five fours and two sixes. Turner remained unbeaten on 43, guiding his team to victory, while Mohammad Nawaz contributed a quick seven runs at the end. Arafat Minhas also played a valuable cameo of 25 runs.
For Islamabad United, Shadab Khan and Salman Irshad took two wickets each.
Earlier, Islamabad United posted 171 for 8 in their 20 overs after being put into bat. Devon Conway scored 26, while Sameer Minhas added 28 runs. Mark Chapman was the top scorer with a quick 40 off 23 balls.
Young spinner Momin Qamar was the standout bowler for the Sultans, claiming three wickets for 24 runs. Mohammad Wasim Jr took two wickets, while Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, and Peter Siddle chipped in with one wicket each.
With this win, Multan Sultans secured an important victory early in the tournament.
