Andries Gous powered Islamabad United’s chase with an unbeaten knock of 80* off just 45 balls, leading them to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Multan Sultans. Islamabad maintained their perfect season record with five consecutive wins, effortlessly chasing down Sultans’ modest target of 169 with 17 balls remaining.

Gous not only anchored his team’s innings, but also ensured they got over the finishing line with cameos from Colin Munro (45 off 28 balls) and Sahibzada Farhan (22 off 13 balls), who set a blazing pace at the top.

Disciplined Bowling Restricts Multan

Coming off a 228 score in their last outing, Multan Sultans collapsed once again despite having a solid foundation. Usman Khan attempted to prop up the innings with a fluent 61 off 40, but a lack of contribution from the rest of the lineup along with a sluggish 36 from Mohammad Rizwan proved costly for the home team.

Even after starting 116/1 late in the 14th over, Multan only managed 52 runs in the final overs and ended with a disappointing total of 168/5. Islamabad’s bowlers effectively utilized variation, with Mohammad Nawaz putting in a scintillating performance, conceding only 13 runs in his four overs.

Powerplay Domination and Clinical Finish

Islamabad sealed the match in the Powerplay, 69 runs for the loss of one wicket. The Gous-Munro second-wicket partnership of 81 off 48 completely tore apart Multan’s bowling line-up. Michael Bracewell bowled economically with figures of 1-31, but the wa added to the scoring avalanche.

That indeed was a calm 55-run stand between Gous and Nawaz which surely was beyond Multan’s reach. Nawaz tried to finish things off but got out. Gous hit distinct calm sixes, batting finishing the match with Islamabad seal the game.

Brief Scores

Multan Sultans: 168/5 in 20 overs

(Usman Khan 61, Mohammad Rizwan 36; Mohammad Nawaz 1-13)

Islamabad United: 171/3 in 17.1 overs

(Andries Gous 80, Colin Munro 45; Michael Bracewell 1-31)*

Result: Islamabad United won by 7 wickets

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