That wraps up the action from today's game. Islamabad United maintains their hot run and extends their lead at the top of the table. Multan Sultans are still hunting for their first victory of the season. Thank you for tuning in. Signing off on behalf of Sudeep Poojar and the rest of the ESPNcricinfo team. Goodnight, and goodbye.
Player of the Match Jason Holder: "I just enjoy the game. In general, it was a good game of cricket. I think we were tested a little bit more in this game. We really responded well, I think it's a team just building quite nicely, we just need to continue on the same way, and just look for areas to keep improving. (While batting) We're just trying to read the pace; it is quite tough to get in (from the very first ball). We always felt like you needed at least 5 or 6 balls. That was the message that was laid back in the dressing room. So I was trying to just find a pace early on, and luckily I was able to get 1 or 2 (big shots) in and gain some momentum. I just try to stay as low as I possibly can (facing slower deliveries). Try to keep my balance as much as possible and just keep a firm base, and I guess just react (hitting out of the park). (Bowling) I was happy with my plans today. It was pretty clear what I wanted to do, and I executed it. It went really well, as coming back on the back end. I still think 1 or 2 boundaries up front I could probably brush up on, but all in all, I'll take the effort so far."
12:30 am Another dominant performance from Islamabad United as they extend their PSL winning run. Multan Sultans got off to a challenging start, with Shai Hope getting a life at short fine leg on the second ball of the game. However, his stay in the crease was brief, as he was caught at backward point three balls later. Usman Khan had a life on 3.03, when the ball tickled off the outside edge of the bat but the fielding team didn't appeal, and he was unable to extend his stay, scoring 31 runs off 20 balls. The runs on the scoreboard were too much for the Sultans' batters, who lost wickets in clusters throughout the innings. Rizwan scored the most runs (38), but none of the batters were able to play a big innings and build an effective middle-order partnership. Shadab Khan once again made excellent bowling changes and field placement to dry up the runs in the middle. Holder was the standout performer of the night, taking four wickets. Imad took two wickets, while the other four bowlers each picked up one.
Muhammad Shoaib: "PSL was brought in to give Pakistan some young talent where every team must have an emerging player. Disheartening to see Shahzad only gets to bowl when its all over for Multan. PSL is no more an opportunity for youngsters to showcase their talent."
Islamabad United won the match by 47 runs
Iftikhar Ahmed c Holder b Muhammad Shahzad 32 (44m 26b 2x4 2x6) SR: 123.07
Azfer: "At least now they could give Shahzad a bowl..." Shahzad is here to bowl the 19th over
END OF OVER:18 | 1 Run | MS: 151/9 (52 runs required from 12 balls, RR: 8.38, RRR: 26.00)
- Ubaid Shah0 (2b)
- Iftikhar Ahmed28 (22b)
- Naseem Shah4-0-34-1
- Jason Holder4-0-25-4
Ubaid Shah vs Naseem Shah now
END OF OVER:17 | 8 Runs 2 Wkts | MS: 150/9 (53 runs required from 18 balls, RR: 8.82, RRR: 17.66)
- Iftikhar Ahmed27 (18b)
- Jason Holder4-0-25-4
- Imad Wasim4-0-33-2
Mohammad Hasnain b Holder 0 (2m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0
Usama Mir b Holder 1 (3m 2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 50
Free Hit