Multan Sultans scored 159/9 in 20 overs, where as Islamabad United scored 163/8 in 20 overs.
So, finally Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by 2 wickets.
Imad Wasim single-handedly propelled Islamabad United into the Pakistan Super League final in 2024, exhibiting his exceptional prowess once more on the grand stage to clinch a thrilling title victory, condemning Multan Sultans to their third consecutive defeat in the PSL final over three years.
In a nail-biting last-ball showdown, Islamabad emerged triumphant with just two wickets in hand in pursuit of 160 runs, a daunting target that seemed insurmountable during the 18th over.
The opening duo from New Zealand, Colin Munro and Martin Guptill, provided a promising start to the chase until Khushdil Shah’s decisive over, which included a wicket maiden.
Despite Guptill’s brief surge with a couple of boundaries, Khushdil struck again in the final over of the powerplay, halting Agha Salman’s momentum.
Additionally, Iftikhar Ahmed, who shone with the bat, also made significant contributions with the ball, dismissing Shadab Khan at a critical juncture.
At the halfway mark, Islamabad found themselves struggling at 61/3.
Guptill then launched a counterattack, dominating Usama Mir with 18 runs in an over, followed by Chris Jordan conceding three fours in the subsequent over.
With Guptill reaching his half-century, optimism surged for Islamabad, but a costly miscommunication resulted in his dismissal, revitalizing Multan’s hopes.
Despite Usama’s pivotal dismissal of Azam Khan, Islamabad faced a brief collapse.
With three overs remaining, Mohammad Rizwan entrusted Iftikhar instead of Jordan, a decision that paid off immediately as Iftikhar claimed a wicket on his first ball.
Naseem Shah’s timely boundaries provided a glimmer of hope for Islamabad, and Imad’s consecutive boundaries off Jordan in the penultimate over revitalized their chances.
In a final over fraught with twists, Islamabad emerged victorious, despite Imad facing only two balls.
While Imad’s unbeaten 19 runs in the chase showcased his resilience, his true impact was felt with the ball.
Despite conceding a four and a six in his first over, Imad struck twice crucially, denting Multan early.
Although Rizwan and Usman Khan steadied Multan’s innings with boundaries, Imad’s return silenced their momentum, claiming Rizwan’s wicket.
Imad’s relentless pressure resulted in Usman’s dismissal, further destabilizing Multan.
In his final over, Imad secured two more wickets to complete a five-wicket haul, reducing Multan to 127/9 with three overs remaining.
Despite Iftikhar’s late heroics, Multan’s score of 160 ultimately fell short of securing victory, leaving Islamabad to celebrate their hard-earned triumph.
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