Sultans Storm Past Pindiz as Farhan, Philippe and Faisal Dominate
LAHORE: A brilliant all-round display led by Faisal Akram’s four-wicket spell and explosive fifties from Sahibzada Farhan and Josh Philippe guided Multan Sultans to a dominant seven-wicket win over RawalPindiz in the 14th match of PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a competitive 183, the Sultans made it look easy, reaching the target with 22 balls remaining and only three wickets down.
The innings began on a shaky note when Mohammad Amir removed Steve Smith cheaply in the second over. However, that early breakthrough proved to be the only moment of joy for the Pindiz as Farhan and Philippe took complete control of the chase.
The duo stitched together a match-defining 110-run stand for the second wicket, attacking the bowlers from the outset. Philippe was the first to depart after a quickfire 56 off 30 balls, dismissed by Amir’s clever change of pace. Farhan continued his impressive form, smashing 68 off 36 deliveries before falling to Mohammad Amir Khan.
With the game already slipping away, Shan Masood and skipper Ashton Turner calmly finished the job, adding an unbeaten 47-run partnership. Masood remained not out on 27 off 15 balls, while Turner’s rapid 26 off just 10 deliveries sealed the win in the 17th over.
Among the bowlers, Mohammad Amir stood out with two wickets, while Amir Khan picked up one.
Earlier, RawalPindiz posted 182/8 after being asked to bat first, largely thanks to a fighting knock from Sam Billings and some late hitting.
Their innings got off to a poor start with Yasir Khan falling early. Captain Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam tried to rebuild with a steady partnership, but the momentum never fully shifted. Ghulam top-scored among the top order with a brisk 35, contributing useful runs alongside Abdullah Fazal and Daryl Mitchell before being dismissed midway through the innings.
The late surge came from Sam Billings, who played a crucial unbeaten knock of 56 off 34 balls, finding support from Dian Forrester, who added a quick 24 in a short but impactful cameo.
Faisal Akram was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 31 in his four overs. Arafat Minhas provided strong support with two wickets, while Peter Siddle and Muhammad Ismail chipped in with one each.
Overall, it was a complete performance from Multan Sultans, strengthening their position at the top, while RawalPindiz continue to struggle for consistency.
