KARACHI: Islamabad United clinched the Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after a six-year wait, powered by Imad Wasim’s stellar all-round performance in the ninth edition final against Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.
Chasing a target of 160 for their third PSL title, Islamabad United began their pursuit with a flying start courtesy of the new opening pair, Colin Munro and Martin Guptill, who scored 20 runs off the first two overs.
However, the momentum faltered when Munro fell to Khushdil Shah on the first delivery of the fourth over, departing after a brisk 17 off 13 balls.
The United then suffered two quick blows with Salman Ali Agha (10) and Shadab Khan (4) departing cheaply.
Despite the setbacks, Guptill anchored the innings, forging a crucial fourth-wicket partnership with Azam Khan before being run out after a mix-up. Guptill top-scored for United with a blistering 50 off 32 balls, comprising four boundaries and three sixes.
Azam Khan continued the fight alongside Imad Wasim, contributing a valuable 30 off 22 balls before falling in the 16th over.
The chase faced further hurdles as in-form Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf departed in consecutive overs, leaving United at 129/7.
With 31 required off 17 deliveries, Imad Wasim and Naseem Shah took charge at the crease.
Opting to bat first, Multan Sultans managed a below-par total despite Usman Khan’s anchoring half-century and Iftikhar Ahmed’s late fireworks.
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The Sultans faced early setbacks as opener Yasir Khan (6) fell to Imad Wasim in the second over, followed by vice-captain David Willey (6) departing shortly after.
However, a crucial partnership between skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan steadied the ship, adding 53 runs for the third wicket.
After Rizwan’s dismissal for a run-a-ball 26, Usman Khan took charge, crafting a gritty 57 off 40 balls before falling in the 16th over.
Imad Wasim’s sensational bowling, claiming 5 wickets for 22 runs in his four overs, triggered a lower-middle-order collapse for the Sultans.
Despite the collapse, Iftikhar Ahmed’s aggressive cameo of 32 runs off 20 deliveries provided a late surge for the Sultans.
Alongside Wasim, skipper Shadab Khan made significant contributions with the ball, picking up three wickets for 32 runs in his allotted four overs.
