Multan Sultans moved a step closer to securing a playoff spot with a confident win over Rawalpindiz, handing their opponents yet another defeat in a disappointing campaign. The result strengthens Multan’s position near the top of the standings, while Rawalpindiz continue to search for answers after another underwhelming outing.
Batting first, Rawalpindiz never truly found momentum during the early phase. Their top order struggled to rotate strike, managing just 19 runs in the opening five overs while losing two key wickets. Captain Mohammad Rizwan once again found it difficult to accelerate, scoring 26 from 29 deliveries before being stumped after stepping out without conviction.
Daryl Mitchell tried to steady the innings with a composed knock, remaining unbeaten on 58 from 46 balls. He found support late in the innings from Dian Forrester, who injected urgency with a quickfire 37 off just 15 deliveries. Their efforts helped Rawalpindiz gather 61 runs in the final five overs, lifting the total to 166, a score that looked competitive but not imposing on a batting-friendly surface.
In response, Multan approached the chase with intent. Steven Smith led from the front with an aggressive display, taking control early and ensuring the required rate never became a concern. His innings gathered pace quickly, highlighted by a dominant over where he struck multiple boundaries and three sixes, shifting the pressure firmly onto the opposition. Smith reached his half century in just 27 balls, setting a solid platform for the chase.
Despite a brief moment of hope when Smith and Josh Philippe were dismissed in quick succession, Rawalpindiz could not capitalise. Shan Masood and Ashton Turner handled the situation with maturity, rotating strike and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Turner eventually accelerated at the right moment, targeting Mohammad Amir with a series of boundaries that effectively sealed the contest. With the equation reduced significantly, Multan cruised to victory in the closing stages, finishing the match in a rather subdued manner as wides completed the chase.
The win highlights Multan’s consistency and composure, while Rawalpindiz’s struggles continue to define their season.
