Smith Special Powers Multan to Comfortable Win Over Pindiz
KARACHI: A dominant all-round display, highlighted by a rapid half-century from Steve Smith, powered Multan Sultans to a convincing six-wicket win over debutants RawalPindiz in the 31st match of Pakistan Super League Season 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing 167, the 2021 champions comfortably reached the target with four wickets down and eight balls remaining.
The innings began on a shaky note for Multan as Sahibzada Farhan departed early after scoring 20, leaving his side at 29/1. Smith initially took a measured approach but accelerated soon after, shifting momentum in Multan’s favor. He stitched together a 69-run stand with Josh Philippe before both fell in quick succession.
Smith led the scoring with an aggressive 56 off 31 balls, striking five boundaries and three sixes, while Philippe contributed a cautious 17 from 19 deliveries.
At 100/3 in 11.3 overs, Multan still required 66 runs, but captain Ashton Turner and vice-captain Shan Masood combined effectively to steady the chase. Their composed 57-run partnership brought the target well within reach.
Masood was dismissed for 20 at the start of the penultimate over by Razaullah, but Turner ensured there were no late hiccups. He remained unbeaten on a brisk 37 off 21 balls, guiding his side home alongside Arafat Minhas, who added seven not out.
For RawalPindiz, Asif Afridi stood out with the ball, claiming 2 for 28, while Razaullah and Saad Masood chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, after opting to bat, RawalPindiz posted 166/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Their innings got off to a poor start, losing both Shahzaib Khan and Yasir Khan cheaply with just six runs on the board.
A recovery effort followed as Mitchell and skipper Mohammad Rizwan added 63 runs for the third wicket before the latter fell for 26. Mitchell continued to anchor the innings and built another crucial stand with Sam Billings, adding 52 runs.
Billings scored a handy 29 off 20 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Wasim Jr. The late surge came from Dian Forrester, who smashed 37 off just 15 deliveries, providing much-needed momentum in the closing overs.
Mitchell remained unbeaten on 58 from 46 balls, playing a key role in lifting RawalPindiz to a competitive total.
For Multan, Mohammad Imran, Peter Siddle, Wasim Jr and Minhas picked up a wicket each in a disciplined bowling effort.
