Multan face Islamabad in their last league match

PSL debutantes plan victory to assure playoffs spot

DUBAI: Pakistan Super League franchise Multan Sultans will play their last match in the league stages when they take on Islamabad United on Tuesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Sultans, in their nine matches, have won four and lost as many with one rain-forced draw, which puts them on the fourth spot behind Karachi Kings (who have nine points too) because of a lower run rate.

Meanwhile, Islamabad United are on the second spot with five wins out of their seven matches. They have 10 points and have only Quetta Gladiators above them with the same points but a better run rate.

“We can’t afford to lose,” Multan pacer Junaid Khan told The Express Tribune. “We have to win this match at any cost. Islamabad is a tough team but the change of venue can help our team in winning the game. All the players are working on their strengths and will be putting up a good show against Islamabad.”

On a personal note, Junaid said he has been trying to restrict oppositions from scoring against him all the while trying to take wickets too. “I try to focus on the job I have been assigned. I bowl according to the game plan. I can restrict the batsmen from scoring runs and take wickets. I try my best to do everything according to the team plan,” he said.

He continued by emphasising on the importance of teamwork. “Teamwork is really important. We all have to work together as we in the beginning of the tournament. We have to win this match at any cost, otherwise, our place in playoffs will be doubtful and we don’t want that,” he said.

Islamabad pacer Muhammad Sami, meanwhile, is optimistic that his team will keep their winning streak alive. “We can’t let any team win at this point,” he said. “We want to top the pool and gain the spot in playoffs and then in the final. This is our plan and I hope we go according to it.”

“We are well prepared and under the leadership of Misbahul Haq every player has an open space to showcase their skills, but according to the game plan. We have three matches left and we are aiming to win all three,” he added.

United all-rounder Hussain Talat is also confident of performing in the remaining matches in order to assist the team in reaching the final. “Although we plan game by game and concentrate on the next match only, but our ultimate aim is to reach the final, which is what every team will be aiming. However, we are in a position that we can’t allow any other team to go ahead of us,” he said.