LAHORE: Multan Sultans extended their dominance in the Pakistan Super League with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over RawalPindiz in the 14th match at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
A four-wicket haul by Faisal Akram, followed by fluent half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan and Josh Philippe, powered the Sultans to a comfortable chase of 183 with 22 balls to spare.
Chasing 183, Multan Sultans lost early momentum when Mohammad Amir dismissed Steve Smith for five in the second over with the score at 12.
However, Farhan and Philippe quickly turned the tide with a dominant 110-run partnership for the second wicket.
Both batters struck attacking half-centuries to put the chase firmly in Multan Sultans’ control.
Philippe scored a brisk 56 off 30 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, before falling to Amir in the 12th over.
Farhan top-scored with 68 off 36 deliveries, including five sixes and four fours, before being dismissed by Mohammad Amir Khan.
After the double breakthrough, captain Ashton Turner and vice-captain Shan Masood guided the innings with composure.
The pair added an unbeaten 47 runs to seal victory in the 17th over.
Masood remained unbeaten on 27 off 15 balls, while Turner struck 26 not out from just 10 deliveries.
Amir leads with ball for RawalPindiz
Amir was the most effective bowler for RawalPindiz, taking 2 for 32 in his three overs. Amir Khan claimed one wicket.
Earlier, RawalPindiz posted 182 for 8 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat, despite a disciplined bowling display led by Faisal Akram.
The innings began on a shaky note as Yasir Khan was dismissed early for five by Muhammad Ismail.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam steadied the innings with a 33-run stand before Rizwan fell for 19 to Arafat Minhas.
Ghulam top-scored for much of the innings with 35 off 24 balls, striking three fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Akram in the 10th over.
He also shared brief partnerships with Abdullah Fazal (14) and Daryl Mitchell (17).
Sam Billings provided impetus in the latter stages with an unbeaten 56 off 34 deliveries, including seven fours and a six.
He was supported by Dian Forrester, who struck a quick 24 off 11 balls, featuring three sixes, as the pair added 33 runs for the sixth wicket.
Multan Sultans maintain momentum
Akram finished with impressive figures of 4 for 31 in his four overs.
Minhas picked up two wickets, while Peter Siddle and Ismail chipped in with one apiece.
