What observers say

“I think we were 15 to 20 runs short of the par score, but it is the first game,” said Shadab Khan, captain of Islamabad United, reflecting on his team’s performance after their match against Multan Sultans on March 28, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match was part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, and it marked a significant moment in the tournament for both teams.

Islamabad United batted first, scoring 171 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Mark Chapman emerged as the top-scorer for the team, contributing 40 runs off 21 balls. Despite a solid start, the team struggled to maintain momentum, a point highlighted by Khan when he noted, “The learning point for us is not to give away consecutive wickets.” This inconsistency ultimately hindered their ability to set a more competitive target.

On the other hand, Multan Sultans, the 2021 champions, showcased their batting prowess in response. Josh Philippe led the charge with a commendable 55 runs off 35 balls, while Ashton Turner added 43 runs off 28 balls, helping the Sultans chase down the target with 8 balls to spare. Their successful chase not only secured a five-wicket victory but also propelled them to second place in the PSL 11 standings.

Momin Qamar was a standout performer with the ball for Islamabad United, taking 3 wickets for just 24 runs in 3 overs. Shadab Khan acknowledged Qamar’s efforts, stating, “He [Momin Qamar] was brave enough to bowl on that length, so credit to him as well.” This performance, however, was not enough to prevent the team’s slide to seventh position in the standings.

The match highlighted the importance of experience in high-pressure situations, a sentiment echoed by Khan when he remarked, “Definitely. Experience matters in how they play.” The Sultans’ ability to remain composed under pressure was evident as they executed their chase effectively.

As the tournament progresses, Multan Sultans now hold a net run rate of 0.825, positioning them favorably for the upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Islamabad United will need to regroup and address their batting inconsistencies if they hope to improve their standing in the league.

With the PSL 11 continuing, both teams will look to build on their performances. Multan Sultans will aim to maintain their momentum, while Islamabad United will seek to bounce back and secure crucial points in their next fixtures.