Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan was delighted after his team registered a convincing 52-run win against Islamabad United in the seventh match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League at the Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan on Saturday.
Multan Sultans lost their opening match of the season against Lahore Qalandars but they have won their last three matches to make a solid comeback.
Meanwhile, Multan Sultans posted a par score of 190-4 after Shadab Khan won the toss and decided to bowl first. Mohammad Rizwan led from the front as he scored 50 runs whereas David Miller scored a quickfire 25-ball 52. Furthermore, Kieron Pollard also added the finishing touches as he scored 21-ball 32.
On the other hand, Islamabad United could only manage 138 runs as no batter could even get to a fifty, with Rassie van der Dussen top scoring with 49 runs. Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers as he took four wickets for the home team whereas Usama Mir and Mohammad Ilyas picked two wickets each.
Mohammad Rizwan said in the post-match presentation, “Very happy! It’s a very collective effort right from each team member and also the support staff. It’s really good to see each and every one contributing. We’re having different heroes for different games in both batting and bowling. The team is ticking all the boxes and that’s showing in the results.”
Mohammad Ilyas was awarded the Player of the Match for returning with figures of 3-22 in the three overs he bowled.
He said after the game, “Management and the bowling coach have helped me a lot. Fortunately, things are working for me. The plan from the coaches and captain was to mix up the lengths/pace, and keep it simple.”
Meanwhile, Shadab Khan denied that his decision to bowl first was a wrong call after winning the toss.
Khan said, “Don’t think so (whether opting to bowl was a wrong decision), we had confidence in our chasing abilities and we still believe it was the right call. 190 was gettable but we just couldn’t. Had to play Abrar as I wasn’t fit enough to bowl a full spell and in a day game, the extra spinner does help. We’re waiting for the home games. Sometimes such losses are a blessing in disguise early on in the tournament. We’ll bounce back.”
Multan Sultans will next face Karachi Kings on Wednesday on their home ground.
