Islamabad United emerged victorious against Multan Sultans, clinching the PSL title in a nail-biting final. The match showcased United’s resilience and strategic prowess, ultimately leading to their third championship win. Imad Wasim’s exceptional performance, claiming five wickets and steering his team to victory with a crucial final delivery, solidified his status as United’s hero in this intense battle.
The final was a rollercoaster of emotions, reminiscent of the previous year’s epic clash that saw Sultans narrowly miss out on the title. Despite United’s strong position throughout the game, the Sultans fought back valiantly, with Iftikhar Ahmed’s impactful innings propelling them to a competitive total of 159 runs. United’s experienced campaigners, Martin Guptill and Azam Khan, navigated the challenging chase, with Guptill’s explosive half-century setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
As the tension mounted, United faced setbacks, but their resilience shone through as Azam and Guptill steadied the ship. The match witnessed twists and turns, with key contributions from players like David Willey and Iftikhar, adding layers of drama to the contest. Imad’s composed presence in the final overs, alongside the determined efforts of the tail-enders, sealed United’s victory in a heart-stopping finale.
The first innings saw United’s meticulous game plan executed flawlessly, with Imad and Shadab stifling the Sultans’ top order early on. The spin duo’s dominance, coupled with Naseem Shah’s fiery pace, restricted the Sultans and triggered a collapse, leaving them reeling at 127 for 9. Despite Iftikhar’s late heroics with the bat, the Sultans fell short of a formidable total, setting the stage for United’s dramatic chase and eventual triumph.