Sultans seek redemption against table-toppers United today

RAWALPINDI: All eyes will be on the Pindi Stadium today (Wednesday) as Multan Sultans look to bounce back and make a bold statement in their second outing of the Pakistan Super League Season X against Islamabad United.

Their opponents -- red-hot, unbeaten Islamabad United -- have been firing on all cylinders and currently sit atop the table with unmatched form and flair. Sultans’ campaign got off to a rocky start after a miscalculated batting strategy against Karachi Kings in their opening match. Opting to set a challenging total, they fell short by 15 to 20 crucial runs -- a margin that allowed Kings to chase down the target comfortably despite a flurry of wickets. It was a lesson in precision and timing -- one that Multan will be desperate to apply going forward.

Now, facing an in-form Islamabad side, Sultans know that stakes are high. A second defeat could see them join Peshawar Zalmi in the early-season danger zone -- winless after two games but Sultans are far from a team to be written off. Armed with a deep batting line-up and explosive potential, they will be banking on making the most of Rawalpindi’s increasingly batter-friendly conditions -- especially for teams batting first.

Speaking with quiet determination, seasoned campaigner Iftikhar Ahmed shared the team’s mindset heading into the crucial fixture. “We’re hungry for redemption. The title slipped away from us last year and that regret fuels our drive to go all the way this time. We’re not just here to compete -- we’re here to conquer.”

Indeed, the rivalry between the two teams has only intensified following their epic 2024 final, where Islamabad United edged past Multan Sultans on the very last ball -- a heart-stopping finish that’s still fresh in the memory of fans and players alike. That narrow defeat left Sultans with unfinished business, and Wednesday’s clash could be the perfect platform for a statement win.

But they’ll need to bring their A-game. Islamabad United, led by the ever-consistent Sahibzada Farhan and backed by a lethal pace battery, have already dismantled both Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi. Their ability to build pressure with both bat and ball has made them early favourites for a fourth PSL title. Their spin arsenal, powered by Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, and rising leg-spin star Saad Masood, adds a new dimension to an already dynamic squad -- a luxury that many other teams lack.

Multan’s challenge will be not just to match United but to outplay them -- a tall order against a team that has made perfection look routine. Can they rise to the occasion, or will Islamabad extend their dream run?

Interestingly, Islamabad have benefitted from winning the toss in both previous encounters -- a subtle but significant edge, especially with chasing becoming tricky under lights. Whether that fortune holds or not, Wednesday’s showdown promises fireworks. Adding to the anticipation is the expected crowd turnout. With temperature rising in Rawalpindi, cricket fever is in full swing. Fans are ready, the stage is set, and the spotlight is firmly on two powerhouses with a score to settle.