United eager to end league on high note

RAWALPINDI: Islamabad United face the tough task of toppling the table toppers Multan Sultan to ease into the playoffs courtesy of better points rather than based on any other calculation as the Pindi Stadium is ready to host its last Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 match on Sunday afternoon.

The day match will see the local team playing the most seasoned of the outfits of PSL 9 in front of yet another expected packed Stadium as all the available tickets have already been sold.

With nine points from nine matches, Islamabad stands on the cusp of making it to the playoffs. Though the Qalandars-Kings match will further clear the scenario, United will be looking towards victory against Multan on Sunday to clear all the ambiguity surrounding their making it to the next stage.

After dismantling Karachi Kings a couple of days back, United’s all-rounder Rana Faheem Ashraf was confident of continuing in the same vein in the last League.

“The last league match against Multan is important for us. We will be looking forward to winning and to repeat the same performance that we put in against Karachi. We want to end the league on a high,” he said.

Islamabad could boost their top-order that includes Colin Munro and Alex Hales with Agha Salman and captain Shadab Khan also among the runs, making good use of their all-round abilities.

“Our batting is deep as we have got some quality batsmen even deep down in the order. What we want is a befitting end to our league matches,” Man of the Match against Kings, Faheem said.

Multan Sultans have been second to none when it comes to PSL 9 performances. The team becomes the first one to qualify for the playoffs and in all probabilities would be eyeing to top the table to get maximum opportunity to make it to the final. Iftikhar Ahmad’s hurricane knock against Zalmi a few days back almost helped Sultan to chase down a mammoth 205 victory target. In the end, just four runs separated both teams with Zalmi getting the much-required win.

Chris Jordan’s introduction has also made the all-rounders’ department comparatively stronger for Sultans. Mohammad Ali and Usma Mir are serving Sultans well in the bowling department as the leading wicket-takers in the competition.

The pitch during the day match at Pindi Stadium on Sunday is expected to help stroke play as it has been offering in recent times.

Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy has been a big plus for the Sultans. With the confidence and authority he has been leading the team makes him one of the strongest captains in the PSL 9.