Multan Sultans, a team known for its consistent performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), will be vying for its first championship title in the grand finale of PSL 9. This marks the Sultans’ fourth consecutive appearance in the final, highlighting their dominance throughout the tournament. The Sultans, led by Muhammad Rizwan, have showcased their exceptional skills and teamwork, making them a formidable force on the field.
On the other hand, Islamabad United is set to make its first final appearance since winning the PSL title in 2018. Under Shadab Khan’s leadership, the team has demonstrated a strong comeback this season, proving that it is a team to be reckoned with. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Islamabad United is hungry to claim its third PSL championship title and establish its legacy in the league’s history.
As the two powerhouses of the PSL, Multan Sultans, and Islamabad United, gear up for the final showdown, fans can expect a thrilling display of cricket at its finest. Both teams have proven their mettle throughout the tournament and are now set to battle it out for the coveted Orion trophy. This high-stakes match promises to be an unforgettable event for cricket enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing the PSL’s immense talent and sportsmanship.
Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, two powerhouses of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), went head-to-head in the highly-anticipated grand finale of the tournament’s 9th edition at the National Stadium in Karachi. The match promised a thrilling showdown between the league’s top-performing teams as they competed for the prestigious Orion trophy.
Multan Sultans, having qualified for the final after their victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the qualifier, entered the match with the experience of playing in four consecutive PSL finals. Crowned champions in 2021 and runners-up in the subsequent two editions, the Sultans were determined to capitalize on their past performances and claim another championship title.
On the other side, Islamabad United secured their spot in the final by defeating Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi in the eliminator rounds. This marked their first PSL final appearance since their previous title win in 2018, adding an extra level of anticipation and hunger for victory among the players and fans alike.
In the end, Islamabad United emerged as the triumphant champions of PSL 9, securing a dramatic two-wicket win over Multan Sultans on the final ball of the match. This hard-fought victory earned Islamabad United a record third PSL title. It solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the league’s history. The thrilling finale was a testament to the exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship showcased by both teams throughout the tournament.
Multan skipper Mohammad Rizwan said he was proud of the way his side played in the tournament, maintaining a “bold and fearless approach.”
“We have a solid team that has all the bases covered. Our locals, foreigners and emerging players have shone and produced some extraordinary performances. What further helps us is the fact that our team has gelled really well in the last four weeks,” Rizwan said in a statement.
“We need to stick to our process. I am sure if our execution is perfect, the people of Multan and south Punjab will get a favorable result, God willing!“
Shadab Khan, who captains Islamabad, hailed his team for “standing tall in crucial situations” and getting through to the final after a long hiatus of five years.
“This is what we intended while assembling the squad and all the players have responded very well throughout the group stage as well as the playoffs. Islamabad winning the trophy for the third time will be a great achievement and I’m looking forward to whatever challenge Multan Sultans will pose,” he said.
“Hopefully, our batters and bowlers will step up in a spirited manner as they have done throughout the season and will make us champions.”
The road to the playoffs saw Multan Sultans secure 14 points with seven victories out of their 10 games. On the other hand, Islamabad United finished with five wins, while their home game against Lahore Qalandars was washed out.
Multan Sultans’ Muhammad Rizwan and Usman Khan emerged as the second and third-highest run-getters of the tournament, trailing Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam, who concluded PSL 9 with 569 runs In 11 innings, the player demonstrated remarkable consistency by notching up an impressive tally that included five half-centuries and a magnificent century.
Rizwan accumulated an impressive 382 runs with four half-centuries, while Usman, having played in only six games, made 373 runs with two centuries and a half-century to his name.
Islamabad United’s Colin Munro proved valuable, scoring 309 runs from nine games with three fifties. Team captain Shadab Khan also performed exceptionally, contributing 301 runs, including three half-centuries, and capturing 11 wickets.
Multan Sultans’ spin attack leader, Usama Mir, solidified his position as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, earning him the Inverex Fazal Mahmood Cap. With 23 scalps in 11 games, including one six-wicket haul, Mir sits just two wickets behind Hasan Ali’s record of 25 wickets, the most by any bowler in one edition, which has remained unbroken since 2019.
Islamabad United’s pace spearhead, Naseem Shah, significantly impacted his team’s performance. The young talent, who joined Islamabad ahead of PSL 9, collected the most wickets for his team, tallying 15 in 10 games.
Rally behind your team! Check out our site and share your support with pride.
Top Cricket News | Bangladesh Premier League | Big Bash League | Cricket World Cup | Indian Premier League | Pakistan Super League | Pakistan Super League News | T20 Blast
