Islamabad United chase down 192 to finish second in PSL 2026 standings, setting up Qualifier clash with Peshawar Zalmi

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Islamabad United secured a crucial victory in the final league match of PSL 2026, defeating Multan Sultans by four wickets to book their place in the Qualifier. A blistering unbeaten 69 off 33 balls from Mark Chapman guided United to successfully chase down a challenging 192-run target at the National Stadium in Karachi.

With this win, Islamabad United leapfrogged Multan Sultans to finish second on the points table. They will now face table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi in Qualifier 1, with a direct spot in the final at stake. Meanwhile, Multan Sultans will take on Hyderabad Kingsmen in Eliminator 1 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Chasing a stiff target, United once again relied on their strong batting lineup. Despite early setbacks, Chapman anchored the innings with an explosive knock, smashing six sixes and capitalizing on a dropped catch early in his innings. He stitched a vital 63-run partnership with Shadab Khan, who contributed 36 off 28 balls, stabilizing the chase after quick dismissals of Devon Conway and Mohsin Riaz.

Chapman ensured there were no late hiccups, even as United lost a couple of wickets towards the end. His composed yet aggressive innings helped the team cross the finish line with eight balls to spare, reinforcing United’s reputation as one of the most dangerous chasing sides in the tournament.

Earlier, Multan Sultans posted 192 on the board, thanks largely to a late surge from Mohammad Wasim, who hammered 25 runs in the final over. Arafat Minhas also played a quickfire knock of 31 off 19 balls, and the duo added 56 runs in the last 21 deliveries to boost the total.

However, the Sultans’ innings had been derailed in the middle overs. After a solid start from the openers, they suffered a collapse, losing four wickets for just 32 runs. Shan Masood top-scored with 44 off 33 balls, holding the innings together briefly, but lacked support from the middle order.