Multan Sultans achieved a six-wicket triumph against Rawalpindiz in the 31st fixture of Pakistan Super League 11, held at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday. The victory was propelled by an impressive all-round display, notably led by Steven Smith.
Chasing a target of 166, the Sultans reached the mark with four wickets down and eight balls remaining. The innings started cautiously as Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed for 20 runs in the fourth over, with the team total at 29.
Smith began his innings with restraint but soon increased the pace, forging a vital 69-run partnership with Josh Philippe. Smith top-scored with a rapid 56 runs off 31 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes, while Philippe contributed 17 runs. However, their quick dismissals left Multan Sultans at 100 for 3 in 11.3 overs.
Captain Ashton Turner then steadied the chase alongside Shan Masood, adding 57 runs to edge their team closer to victory. Masood scored 20 before being dismissed in the penultimate over, while Turner remained unbeaten on 37 runs off 21 balls. Arafat Minhas supported Turner with an unbeaten 7 runs to see the Sultans home.
For Rawalpindiz, Asif Afridi was the most effective bowler, taking 2 wickets for 28 runs. Razaullah and Saad Masood each claimed one wicket.
Earlier, Rawalpindiz posted a total of 166 for 6 in their 20 overs after recovering from a shaky start. They lost early wickets of Shahzaib Khan and Yasir Khan, falling to 6 for 2 within two overs.
A stabilizing 63-run partnership between Mitchell and captain Mohammad Rizwan helped rebuild the innings. Rizwan scored 26 before his dismissal, while Mitchell anchored the innings effectively.
Mitchell later added 52 runs in partnership with Sam Billings, who contributed 29 runs. Dian Forrester provided a late surge, smashing 37 runs off just 15 balls, including three boundaries and three sixes.
Mitchell remained unbeaten on 58 runs from 46 deliveries, guiding Rawalpindiz to a competitive total. For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Imran, Peter Siddle, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Arafat Minhas each took one wicket.
Despite posting a fighting total, Rawalpindiz could not withstand the chase as Multan Sultans maintained their composure to secure the win in this PSL 11 encounter.
