Multan Sultans (MS) and Islamabad United (IU) were the finalists last season, but this time they’ve chosen to tread entirely different paths. In all fairness, it wasn’t much of a choice, at least not for the Sultans. They’ve been thrashed by every team except Lahore Qalandars and are now firmly anchored to the bottom of the table.
It doesn’t help their case that they’re now set to face high-flying Islamabad, who remain unbeaten this season. Not only have United won all their matches, but they’ve done so with commanding authority.
There is one small wrinkle, a possible pickle, if you will. Islamabad have never won a game in Multan. They’ve played two and lost both. Sure, it’s a small sample size. But pair that with the fact that Multan Sultans have won 12 of their 14 matches at this venue, and Islamabad’s first defeat of the season doesn’t seem entirely too impossible.
Team Overview:
Multan Sultans brought in Yasir Khan in place of Shai Hope and that decision paid off instantly. He thumped 87 runs off just 44 balls and launched Multan to a whopping 228 target, which Lahore Qalandars couldn’t chase down, handing Multan their maiden win of the season.
One concern might still linger for Multan and that is the team continues to be very reliant on the top order. There were short, impactful knocks from batters down the order. Iftikhar Ahmed’s 40-run knock at the death was particularly a silver lining, but no middle-order batter managed to stay to play a longer inning.
Multan also handed a debut cap to Joshua Little. While he didn’t do with the ball what Yasir did with his bat, his addition looks promising for the coming games. Ubaid Shah, meanwhile, is steadily constructing a case for brilliance. His three-wicket haul in Multan will give him the confidence to maintain this fiery form against Islamabad as well.
Islamabad, too, found themselves in a pickle of a situation in the last game in Karachi. A mini collapse jeopardized their chase, and if not for Shadab Khan’s late-innings rescue act, Karachi might have clinched the low-scoring thriller. But it seems to be more of a blip than a deeper crack under the surface. Their spinners, though, will have to step up if they want to outwit Multan on a used surface.
Head-to-Head Matches:
In 17 encounters between both sides, Multan Sultans have won 8 games, while Islamabad were the better side in 9.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Multan’s fresh pitch last game offered plenty to batters, and the home side cashed in. Even if a used strip is used for this game, it won’t be too worn, with only 40 overs played so far. Expect another run-fest. Bowlers will need to make early inroads because the new ball will be their best bet on Multan’s batting-friendly surface.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: A Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad, Tamasha, Walee Technologies, Myco App, Begin
India: FanCode App, Sony Sports Network
Africa: Super Sports
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan: Sony Sports Network
North America: Willow TV
MENA: MYCO
Rest of the World: Sports Central
