Chapman’s masterclass helps Unite finish second

By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI A masterclass in power-hitting from Mark Chapman propelled Islamabad United to a dramatic four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in their final league game of the HBL PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Chapman’s explosive unbeaten 69 off just 33 deliveries turned a daunting 193-run chase into a clinical finish, as United reached the target with eight balls to spare.
Opting to field first, Islamabad United struggled to contain a fluent Multan opening pair. Sahibzada Farhan (30) and Steven Smith (30) provided a brisk 60-run platform before United’s spinners, led by Imad Wasim (1-23), tightened the screws.
Shan Masood anchored the middle period with 44, but it was Mohammad Wasim’s late-order blitz that provided the real impetus. Wasim smashed 26 off just nine balls, combining with Arafat Minhas (31) for a blistering 56-run seventh-wicket stand that lifted the Sultans to 192-7.
The chase began shakily for United, losing Sameer Minhas for one. Shadab Khan (36) and Mohsin Riaz (25) stabilized the innings, but the game shifted decisively once Chapman arrived.
Chapman and Shadab shared a vital 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket, keeping the required rate under control. Chapman was particularly ruthless, hitting six sixes and four fours in his blistering 33-ball 69 not out. Despite losing Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf in quick succession, Chapman remained composed, finishing the game with a flurry of boundaries to enable United finish second at the points table with 13 points.
United will now face Peshawar Zalmi at the same venue on Tuesday in the Qualifier.

Summarised Scores
Multan Sultans: 192-7 (20 overs) Shan Masood 44 (33), Arafat Minhas 31 (19), Sahibzada Farhan 30 (18), Steven Smith 30 (19); Imad Wasim 1-23, Faheem Ashraf 1-23, Shadab Khan 1-25.

Islamabad United: 193-6 (18.4 overs) Mark Chapman 69* (33), Shadab Khan 36 (28), Mohsin Riaz 25 (17)
Result: Islamabad United won by four wickets.
Mark Chapman (Man of the match)