Lahore — Multan Sultans chased down a 172-run target with composure to defeat Islamabad United by five wickets in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League season 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday. The result, achieved with eight balls to spare, showcased the depth of the Sultans’ batting lineup and narrowed the historical gap between the two sides.

Set 172 to win, Multan reached 175-5 in 18.4 overs, anchored by Josh Philippe’s fluent half-century and captain Ashton Turner’s steady finish. Philippe struck 55 off 35 balls, mixing calculated aggression with well-timed boundaries to set the tone for the chase. Turner remained unbeaten on 43 from 28 deliveries, ensuring there were no late setbacks. Steve Smith contributed 31 off 23 balls, while Arafat Minhas added a brisk 25 off 11 to accelerate the innings in the closing stages.

Islamabad United’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs despite some breakthroughs. Salman Irshad claimed 2-28 in his four overs, Shadab Khan picked up 2-36, and Imad Wasim added one wicket. However, the attack lacked consistency as the Sultans maintained control throughout the chase.

Earlier, Islamabad United posted 171-8 after being put in to bat. Mark Chapman top-scored with 40, while Sameer Minhas made 28. Devon Conway and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with 26 apiece, helping United reach a competitive total despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Conway and Sameer gave the side a strong start with a 48-run opening stand, but their dismissals triggered a slowdown, leaving United at 75-3 by the 10th over.

Chapman attempted to rebuild with short partnerships, including a brief stand with Shadab Khan, but fell in the 15th over after keeping the scoreboard ticking with boundaries. Faheem Ashraf provided late momentum, striking 26 off 17 balls with four boundaries and a six, sharing a 30-run stand with Imad Wasim for the seventh wicket. The effort pushed United past 170, though it proved insufficient against Multan’s disciplined chase.

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For the Sultans, Momin Qamar delivered an impressive spell, taking 3-24 in three overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr added two wickets, while Arafat Minhas and Peter Siddle chipped in with one each to restrict United’s scoring opportunities.

The victory adds to Multan’s growing confidence in PSL 11 and further tightens the rivalry with Islamabad United, who still hold a slight edge in overall head-to-head encounters after 19 meetings.