The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 continues to deliver high-octane drama as Multan Sultans clinched a commanding five-wicket victory over Islamabad United in the fourth match of the season. A masterclass in death bowling followed by a debut half-century from Josh Philippe ensured the Sultans started their campaign on a high note at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Match Summary: Clinical Sultans Outshine United
In a clash of tactical brilliance, Multan Sultans’ captain Ashton Turner won the toss and elected to field first. While Islamabad United’s top order showed flashes of brilliance, they struggled to maintain momentum against a disciplined Sultans bowling attack.
Chasing a target of 172, Multan navigated early jitters to reach 175/5 in just 18.4 overs, sealing the win with 8 balls to spare.
First Innings: Islamabad United’s Middle-Order Muddle
Islamabad United got off to a flyer with Devon Conway (26 off 23) and Sameer Minhas (28 off 21) putting up 48 runs for the opening stand. However, the introduction of spin and the searing pace of Momin Qamar stalled the scoring rate.
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Mark Chapman played a lone hand in the middle order, smashing a quickfire 40 off 21 balls (3×4, 2×6).
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Faheem Ashraf provided a late flourish with 26 off 17, pushing the total to 171/8.
The Momin Qamar Show
The star of the first innings was undoubtedly Momin Qamar. The young pacer displayed incredible maturity, finishing with figures of 3/24. His ability to bowl yorkers at will during the death overs prevented United from reaching a projected 190+ total.
Second Innings: Philippe and Turner Anchor the Chase
Multan’s chase began cautiously after losing Sahibzada Farhan early. However, the experience of Steve Smith (31 off 23) calmed the nerves, allowing debutant Josh Philippe to find his rhythm.
Josh Philippe’s Dream Debut
The Australian wicketkeeper-batter took the game away from Islamabad with a blistering 55 off 35 balls. His innings was punctuated by elegant drives and powerful sweeps, forcing United’s captain Shadab Khan to constantly rotate his bowlers.
Finishing Touches
Despite a late scare where Shadab Khan (2/32) picked up two quick wickets, Ashton Turner (43* off 28) and Arafat Minhas (25* off 11) ensured there were no further hiccups. Minhas, in particular, was ruthless, striking at a rate of 227.27 to wrap up the game.
Match Scorecard Overview
| Team | Runs/Wickets | Overs | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
| Islamabad United | 171/8 | 20.0 | Mark Chapman (40) | Salman Irshad (2/28) |
| Multan Sultans | 175/5 | 18.4 | Josh Philippe (55) | Momin Qamar (3/24) |
Player of the Match: Momin Qamar (Multan Sultans)
Key Takeaways & SEO Highlights
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PSL 2026 Standings: Multan Sultans climb the ladder with a strong Net Run Rate.
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Emerging Talent: Momin Qamar’s performance cements his status as a breakout star for the 2026 season.
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Tactical Masterclass: Ashton Turner’s captaincy and finishing ability proved to be the difference-maker.
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