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ABU DHABI: Multan Sultans registered a victory over Islamabad United by 31 runs today (Monday) and reached the finals of the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League.
The loss for the Shadab Khan-led side means that they will either face Karachi Kings or Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2. The winner of Eliminator 1, which will take place later in the day, will face the United in Eliminator 2.
Defending a target of 181 runs, Sohail Tanvir struck early for Sultans as he clean bowled Colin Munro on the second ball of the innings. Later, Muhammad Akhlaq was run out for 10 after from a direct hit by Imran Khan.
United was banking on their captain to step up but Shadab Khan handed an easy catch Shan Masood at point. Iftikhar Ahmed was caught behind on the bowling of Muzarabani, whereas Asif Ali was outfoxed by Imran Tahir and stumped for 1.
Khawaja sprinted to his fifty in just 33 balls, keeping United alive in the chase. Sohail Tanvir returned in the 15th over to remove Khawaja for 70 and pick his third wicket of the match.
Imran Tahir finished his four-over spell by removing Hasan Ali, who was looking to tee off from the get go. Muzaraban and Tanvir picked three wickets each to bowl out United for 149.
Earlier, brisk knocks from Sohaib Maqsood and Khushdil Shah helped Multan Sultans post 180-5 against Islamabad United. Sultans were dealt an early blow as they lost their captain in the second over as Mohammad Rizwan was caught behind without opening his account.
After the powerplay, Shan Masood welcomed Shadab Khan into the attack with back to back boundaries. However, Shadab had the last laugh as he trapped Masood lbw on the next ball.
Faheem made further inroads in his final over as he brought an end to a fine 59-run knock by Sohaib Maqsood. Sultans’ run-rate took a hit due to quick wickets and needed a strong finish. Khushdil’s blistering unbeaten 42-run inning from 22 balls, ensured a competitive total for Sultans.
