Islamabad United emerged victorious in a dramatic final, edging out Multan Sultans by two wickets to secure their third Pakistan Super League (PSL) title. However, as celebrations ensue, cricket fans around the nation await the next thrilling season of Pakistan’s premier T20 league.
Islamabad United emerged as the champions of HBL PSL 9 after a thrilling contest against Multan Sultans in a heart-pounding final match at National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The victory marked Islamabad United’s third title win in the prestigious tournament.
In a closely fought encounter, Islamabad United clinched the victory on the last ball, securing a memorable win over Multan Sultans. The champions walked away with prize money of PKR 140,000,000, while the runners-up, Multan Sultans, received PKR 56,000,000.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Islamabad United team for winning the 9th Pakistan Super League, saying that cricket was a uniting factor for the whole nation.
“Both teams played a fabulous game. This is the victory of a whole nation, not any single team. The cricket game unites the whole nation,” the prime minister said in a statement. He also lauded the Pakistan Cricket Board, security forces, administration, all the organizers, and the spectators for ensuring the success of the PSL 9.
Key Moments of the Final
Imad Wasim’s exceptional performance, where he claimed a historic five-wicket haul, earned him the title of Player of the Match. His outstanding contribution played a crucial role in Islamabad United’s triumph, as they lifted the HBL PSL trophy for the third time.
Multan Sultans won the toss and opted to bat first. Right from the start, intense moments unfolded in the match, as Salman Ali Agha dramatically caught the ball during Naseem Shah’s first over, only for the umpire to declare it a no-ball due to overstepping.
Imad Wasim’s early breakthroughs set the tone for Islamabad United, with Yasir Khan and David Willey losing their wickets in quick succession. Despite a spirited effort from Usman Khan, who scored a crucial half-century, Multan Sultans faced a setback as Imad continued to dominate with the ball.
In response, Islamabad United began their chase confidently, with Colin Munro and Martin Guptill providing a solid start. However, a spirited bowling effort from Multan Sultans kept the match on a knife’s edge.
It was Guptill’s stellar fifty and contributions from Azam Khan and Imad Wasim that propelled Islamabad United towards victory. The tense finale saw Islamabad United requiring eight runs off the final over, with Hunain Shah securing the win with a nerve-wracking last-ball finish.
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Apart from Imad Wasim’s heroics, Usama Mir’s exceptional bowling performance throughout the tournament earned him the title of Bowler of the Tournament. Moreover, Usman Khan’s consistent batting display led to him being named Batter of the Tournament, while Azam Khan’s stellar wicketkeeping skills earned him the Wicketkeeper of the Tournament award.
The spirit of cricket was celebrated with the Spirit of Cricket Award bestowed upon Peshawar Zalmi, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and fair play.