United outclass Sultans to finish second on HBL PSL 2026 points table

Islamabad United finished second on the HBL PSL 2026 points table after they outclassed Multan Sultans by four wickets at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Sunday night thanks to a blistering half-century from Mark Chapman.

The victory ensured the three-time champions overtake the second spot on the points table from Sultans and set up a Qualifier clash with table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi at the same venue on Tuesday. Hyderabad Kingsmen will face Multan Sultans in the first eliminator on April 29 in Lahore.

Chasing 193, United reached the target with six wickets down and eight balls to spare. The chase began shakily as Sameer Minhas fell with just 10 on the board.

Devon Conway (18) and Mohsin Riaz (25 off 17) added 31 runs, but quick wickets reduced left United at 72 for the loss of three wickets in 7.2 overs.

Chapman then anchored the innings, combining with skipper Shadab Khan for a crucial 63-run stand. Shadab contributed 36 off 28 balls, hitting five boundaries, before departing in the 15th over.

Despite losing a couple of wickets in quick succession, Chapman remained composed and guided United home in the penultimate over with an unbeaten 69 off 33 balls, including six sixes and four fours.

For Multan, Faisal Akram took two wickets but conceded 41 runs, while Peter Siddle, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ismail and Mohammad Imran picked up one wicket each.

First innings

After being put in to bat, Multan posted 192-7 in 20 overs.

Openers Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan gave them a strong start, adding 60 runs before both fell in quick succession around the end of the powerplay, each scoring 30.

Shan Masood then led the middle-order effort with a brisk 44 off 33 balls, forming a 42-run partnership with Josh Philippe who scored 11.

He later added smaller stands with Ashton Turner and Arafat Minhas before being dismissed in the 16th over.

In the final overs, Arafat Minhas provided late momentum with a quick 31 off 19 balls, while Mohammad Wasim Jr remained unbeaten on 26 off just nine deliveries as the pair added 55 runs in the closing stages.

For United, Chris Green, Salman Mirza, Salman Irshad, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf and Shadab Khan claimed one wicket each.