Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Tips & Preview – Sultans Striving To Solidify Stance At Summit

By Nikhil Kalro

08 Mar 2024

Nikhil Kalro 08 Mar 2024

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United earned 2nd place in PSL after two consecutive wins, Mills and Ashraf standout performers.
Multan Sultans continue their impressive run, hold top position with six victories in eight matches.
Upcoming match between United and Sultans predicted to be a thrilling encounter, Sultans favored to win.

Multan Sultans' Iftikhar Ahmed in action against Peshawar Zalmi. (Getty Images)

At the end of seven games, Islamabad United had notched up just two wins in seven games.

Mills, Faheem come to the party for United
A pattern of comfort for Multan Sultans
Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Tips and Preview

But two back-to-back wins later, they have vaulted to second courtesy a superior net run rate. They’re locked on 9 points with two other teams - Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi - so there’s still very little breathing space.

Multan Sultans have no such concerns. They’re perched at the top with six wins in eight games and are sitting pretty with a playoff spot sealed. They will now want to try and earn a second chance in the playoffs should they have one bad day. For that, they’ll dearly like to finish No. 1, which they should if they win one more game.

Mills, Faheem come to the party for United

Known for his death-bowling skills and plethora of slower options, including a patented back-of-the-hand delivery, England’s Tymal Mills finally came to the party. He picked up three wickets in his first game of the Rawalpindi leg—3 for 34—to help restrict Karachi Kings to a modest 150.

The allrounder Faheem Ashraf came to the party with the ball a game after hitting a cameo 42 in a losing cause previously. His big wickets of Shan Masood and Tim Seifert damaged Karachi Kings upfront. Despite that, victory was far from a foregone conclusion for United, who lost 3 for 18 at one point in their chase, but Shadab Khan and Agha Salman revived them with a half-century stand.

A pattern of comfort for Multan Sultans

Sultans have twice been on a three-match winning streak this season before losing their fourth. If they were to go on another three-match streak again in the competition, they would win their second PSL title. They will want to quickly move on from their defeat on March 5 to Peshawar Zalmi, though.

That they were in the contest until the very end despite chasing 205 told you of their batting domination throughout the season. Iftikhar Ahmed’s lower-order prowess, where he smashed a 27-ball 60, reaffirmed his status as one of the best finishers in Pakistan currently.

Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Tips and Preview

Chris Jordan offers wholesomely with his all-round ability, as does Iftikhar with his ability to bowl part-time off-spin and finish off innings. Also, pick Colin Munro to bounce back into form for United. Reeza Hendricks has had two quiet games, but he’s been in excellent striking form overall and is currently among the top five run-getters. He should give you excellent returns. Overall, back Sultans to inch closer to the first spot. They’re the favorites.