In a high-octane finale to the league stage of HBL PSL 11, Islamabad United snatched the coveted second spot from Multan Sultans, pulling off a clinical four-wicket chase at the National Bank Stadium.

The hero of the night, Mark Chapman, played the innings of a lifetime, smashing an unbeaten 69 off just 33 balls. His late-order fireworks ensured United not only overhauled a steep 193-run target but also secured a direct ticket to Tuesday’s Qualifier against Peshawar Zalmi.

The Chapman Charge

United’s pursuit of 193 seemed to be stuttering after the early exits of Devon Conway and Mohsin Riaz. Enter Mark Chapman. Despite limited opportunities throughout the season, the southpaw showed no signs of rust. Luck was on his side early on when Mohammad Wasim grassed a chance at square leg—a mistake that would haunt the Sultans.

Chapman launched a brutal assault, clearing the ropes six times. He found a steady ally in skipper Shadab Khan (36 off 28), the duo stitching together a game-changing 63-run partnership. Even as wickets fell late in the piece, Chapman’s composure never wavered, guiding United home with eight balls to spare.

Wasim’s Late Blitz Not Enough

Earlier, Multan Sultans had posted what looked like a winning total of 192-7. The innings was built on a solid start by Shan Masood (44) but truly ignited in the dying stages. Mohammad Wasim turned into a wrecking ball in the final over, plundering 25 runs off Salman Mirza. Alongside Arafat Minhas (31 off 19), Wasim helped Sultans add 56 runs in the final 21 deliveries.

However, the Sultans’ middle-order collapse—losing four wickets for 32 runs—and a sloppy display in the field ultimately proved their undoing. Imad Wasim was the pick of the United bowlers, finishing with economical figures of 1-23.

The Road to the Final

The victory shifts the playoff dynamics significantly.

• Islamabad United will now face table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi in Karachi. The winner advances directly to the May 3rd Final.

• Multan Sultans, having slipped to third, must now travel to Lahore for a do-or-die Eliminator 1 against the Hyderabad Kingsmen on Wednesday.

Scores in Brief

Match 40: Islamabad United beat Multan Sultans by 4 wickets

• Multan Sultans: 192-7 (20 overs) | Shan Masood 44, Arafat Minhas 31, Mohammad Wasim 25*; Imad Wasim 1-23.

• Islamabad United: 193-6 (18.4 overs) | Mark Chapman 69*, Shadab Khan 36; Akram Baig 2-41.

• Player of the Match: Mark Chapman (Islamabad United)