Andries Gous produced a blistering unbeaten 80 off 45 balls to steer Islamabad United to their fifth consecutive win over Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Wednesday, chasing down a target of 171 with 17 balls to spare.
Islamabad’s chase began in explosive fashion as Sahibzada Farhan, riding on his fine form, smashed 22 off 13 deliveries to give the innings early impetus. However, his stay was short-lived as Ubaid Shah removed him, caught behind, to give Multan a much-needed breakthrough.
Farhan’s dismissal brought Colin Munro to the crease, and what followed was a match-defining partnership between the New Zealander and wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous. The pair added 81 runs in a crucial stand, dismantling the Sultans’ bowling attack with clean and calculated hitting.
Gous was the standout performer of the night, smashing six fours and five sixes en route to his unbeaten 80 with Munro, equally aggressive, chipped in with a quick-fire 45 off 28 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes before falling to Michael Bracewell.
With the target in sight, Mohammad Nawaz added a handy 21 off 19 before being dismissed by Chris Jordan as Islamabad cruised home at 171 for 3 in 17.1 overs, registering a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
Earlier, Multan Sultans opted to bat first after winning the toss and Openers Yasir Khan and captain Mohammad Rizwan laid a strong foundation with a 51-run partnership for the first wicket. Yasir played a brisk knock, scoring 29 off 17 balls before being caught by a substitute off Mohammad Nawaz.
Skipper Rizwan held one end with a more measured approach, contributing 36 off 37 deliveries, including three boundaries, before falling to Shadab Khan.
The innings gained momentum through Usman Khan, who top-scored with an impressive 61 off 40 balls, striking four fours and four, however, his run was cut short by a sharp piece of fielding, resulting in a run-out.
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed unable to capitalize on early start, falling to Meredith and Jason Holder, respectively.
In the final overs Kamran Ghulam provided a late flourish, with Kamran striking a six and a four to lift the score to 168/5.
Multan Sultans XI: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Josh Little, Ubaid Shah
Islamabad United XI: Shadab Khan (Captain), Andries Gous (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Salman Irshad
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