Rawalpindiz suffered a crushing blow as they were condemned to a record-equalling eighth straight defeat of the campaign, still without a win after Multan Sultans chased down their 167-run target in 18.4 overs. The Sultans’ comfortable victory also lifted them further up the standings, strengthening their position in second place on the points table.
Key takeaways
- Rawalpindiz extended their losing streak to eight matches and remained winless after this defeat.
- Multan Sultans completed the chase of 167 in 18.4 overs to win by six wickets.
- Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 58 helped Rawalpindiz post 166/4 after a sluggish Powerplay.
- Steve Smith’s explosive spell, including three sixes in the ninth over, swung the chase decisively.
- Ashton Turner finished the job with 37* off 21 balls as Multan reached 167/4.
Rawalpindiz struggle to build momentum
Batting first, Rawalpindiz were set back early, slipping to 6/2 and managing only 33 runs during the Powerplay. The innings then found a spark through a 63-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and captain Mohammad Rizwan, which steadied the chase of a competitive total.
However, Rizwan failed to maintain momentum and was dismissed for 26 off 29 balls. Mitchell continued to anchor the innings and combined with Sam Billings for a 52-run stand before Dian Forrester provided a late acceleration.
Forrester struck with intent at the death, adding 37 off 15 deliveries to lift the finishing burst. Mitchell remained not out on 58 as Rawalpindiz closed on 166/4 in their 20 overs.
Smith and Turner steer Multan to a quick finish
In reply, Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith launched the pursuit with urgency. Smith appeared particularly fluent, and his nine-over assault proved the turning point—he struck Razaullah for a boundary and then followed it with three consecutive sixes. By the time the contest reached the halfway mark, Multan had already surged to 89/1.
Rawalpindiz managed a brief comeback by removing both Smith and Josh Philippe in close succession. But with the required rate not posing immediate pressure, the Sultans were able to keep moving forward without panic.
Ashton Turner took charge of the finishing phase, guiding Multan to the target with a composed unbeaten 37 from 21 balls. Multan ultimately reached 167/4 in 18.4 overs, confirming their victory.
What happens next
Multan Sultans now face a demanding schedule, with back-to-back fixtures as they prepare to play the Hyderabad Kingsmen within less than 24 hours.
Brief scores
Rawalpindiz: 166/4 (20 overs) — Daryl Mitchell 58*; Dian Forrester 37*. Bowling: Mohammad Imran Randhawa 1-9.
Multan Sultans: 167/4 (18.4 overs) — Steve Smith 56; Ashton Turner 37*. Bowling: Asif Afridi 2-28.
