Islamabad United 117 for 5 (Talat 48, Tahir 3-19) beat Multan Sultans 113 (Malik 35, Raees 3-14) by five wickets
Not often, in T20s, does a Powerplay decide the direction of a game. When it does, it’s almost always solely down to underfoot or overhead conditions. Under atypically overcast skies in Dubai, after a 25-minute delay due to light rain, the Islamabad United seamers capitalized on swinging conditions to leave Multan Sultans at 24 for 3 after the first six overs.
That period set the tone for the rest of the match. Multan weren’t able to recover, eventually slumping to 113 all out in the final over. At one point during the 54-run fifth-wicket partnership between Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard, it seemed like Multan could muster a score they could defend in bowling-friendly conditions.
Imran Tahir gave Multan some hope with 3 for 19, but Hussain Talat snuffed that out with a sparkling innings, first steadying the chase before showing off his range with a 34-ball 48 that gave Islamabad their first win of the tournament.
Where the match was won
Islamabad’s bowlers kept Multan to 24 for 3 after the Powerplay, but the next four overs damaged their hopes of a 120-plus score. Looking to consolidate, Multan’s batsmen took too long looking to consolidate, adding just 18 runs in four overs for the loss of Ahmed Shehzad. With a score of 42 for 4, even a bright cameo wouldn’t have sufficed.
More to follow..
Source: ESPN Crickinfo