Islamabad United clinch third PSL title in thrilling final

Islamabad United Clinch Third HBL PSL Title in Thrilling Final

By our correspondent

Islamabad United emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter against Multan Sultans to claim their third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) title. In a heart-stopping last-ball thriller at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Islamabad United secured a dramatic two-wicket win over Multan Sultans in the final of HBL PSL 9.

Batting first after winning the toss, Multan Sultans got off to a dramatic start as Naseem Shah's first over saw an overturned dismissal due to a no-ball. Despite early hiccups, Multan managed to put up a competitive total of 159-9, with Usman Khan's half-century being the highlight of their innings. However, Imad Wasim's exceptional five-wicket haul, the first in HBL PSL finals history, significantly dented Multan's batting lineup.

In response, Islamabad United began their chase with a solid opening partnership between Colin Munro and Martin Guptill. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Imad Wasim's crucial contribution helping Islamabad inch closer to the target. Despite some late drama in the final overs, Islamabad managed to reach the required target on the last ball of the match, courtesy of Hunain Shah's heroics.

Imad Wasim was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance with the ball, while Multan Sultans' Khushdil and Iftikhar also made notable contributions with the ball, claiming two wickets each.

With this thrilling victory, Islamabad United lifted the HBL PSL trophy for the first time since 2018, securing a prize money of PKR 140,000,000. Multan Sultans, on the other hand, received PKR 56,000,000 as runners-up.

The final match of HBL PSL 9 will be remembered as one of the most memorable encounters in the tournament's history, showcasing the spirit of competition and the exhilarating moments that define cricket at its best.

 Scores in brief:

Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by two wickets

Multan Sultans 159-9, 20 overs (Usman Khan 57, Iftikhar Ahmed 32 not out; Imad Wasim 5-23, Shadab Khan 3-32)

 Islamabad United 163-8, 20 overs (Martin Guptill 50, Azam Khan 30, Imad Wasim 19 not out; Iftikhar Ahmed 2-19, Khushdil Shah 2-21)

Player of the match – Imad Wasim (Islamabad United)

Emerging Player of the Tournament – Muhammad Irfan Khan (171 runs, Karachi Kings)

All-Rounder of the Tournament – Saim Ayub (345 runs, Eight wickets, Peshawar Zalmi)

Fielder of the Tournament – Muhammad Irfan Khan (Eight catches, Karachi Kings)

Wicketkeeper of the Tournament – Azam Khan (10 dismissals, 226 runs, Islamabad United)

Bowler of the Tournament – Usama Mir (24 wickets, Multan Sultans)

Batter of the Tournament – Usman Khan (430 runs, Multan Sultans)

HBL - Player of the Tournament – Shadab Khan (305 runs, 14 wickets, Islamabad UnitedSpirit of Cricket Award – Peshawar Zalmi

Umpire of the Tournament – Asif Yaqoob