Karachi, April 26, 2026: Vice-captain Shan Masood played a composed anchoring role before a late flourish from Arafat Minhas powered Multan Sultans to a strong total against Islamabad United in the 40th match of Pakistan Super League Season 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Batting first after being put in by Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan, the 2021 champions Multan Sultans posted 192/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
The innings began confidently for the Sultans, with openers Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan putting together a 60-run partnership. However, Islamabad struck back through Salman Mirza, who removed Smith on the final ball of the powerplay, caught behind.
Farhan followed immediately on the next delivery, dismissed by Shadab Khan, leaving the Sultans at 60/2 in 6.1 overs. Both openers scored 30 runs each, striking four boundaries and a six apiece.
After the early setbacks, Shan Masood steadied the innings and guided the middle order, building a 42-run stand with wicketkeeper Josh Philippe, who contributed 11 off 13 balls before being dismissed by Imad Wasim.
Masood then partnered briefly with captain Ashton Turner and later with Arafat Minhas before being bowled by Salman Irshad in the 16th over. He top-scored for Multan with a fluent 44 off 33 balls, including three fours and two sixes.
Islamabad United kept applying pressure, with Faheem Ashraf striking again in the 17th over to remove Mohammad Imran, leaving Multan struggling at 136/6.
However, Arafat Minhas shifted gears in the closing overs, playing a blistering cameo of 31 off 19 balls, hitting four boundaries including three sixes. He was well supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr, who produced a rapid unbeaten 26 off just nine deliveries.
The pair added 55 runs in the final overs, giving Multan a strong finishing boost.
For Islamabad United, wickets were shared evenly among Chris Green, Salman Mirza, Salman Irshad, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, and captain Shadab Khan, who each picked up one wicket.
Multan Sultans’ total of 192/7 sets up a competitive chase in a crucial encounter of the PSL 11 season.
