The match will be played in Karachi.
The highly anticipated final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9) season nine is scheduled for Monday (March 18) at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium, where Multan Sultans will face off against Islamabad United in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
After a month filled with exhilarating T20 matches, PSL 9 2024 has reached its climax, with the former champions, Multan Sultans, setting their sights on reclaiming the prestigious trophy as they take on Islamabad United in the final showdown.
Throughout the tournament, the Sultans have showcased their superiority, emerging victorious in seven out of their ten league stage matches. Their dominance continued as they convincingly defeated Peshawar Zalmi in Qualifier 1.
In contrast, United arrived at the final with a notable sense of confidence, having secured victories in two consecutive knockout encounters against Quetta Gladiators and Zalmi in Eliminator 1 and 2, respectively.
The Sultans reaffirmed their supremacy and expertise by displaying a commanding performance in their victory over Zalmi during Qualifier 1.
Despite Babar Azam’s composed 46, the Mohammad Rizwan-led side effectively restricted the opposition to a total of just 146/7. Subsequently, they comfortably chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and nearly two overs to spare, showcasing their dominance in the second half of the match.
The Sultans’ bowlers played a pivotal role in shaping the match, with Usama Mir and Chris Jordan particularly standing out with their impressive performances.
The young opener Yasir Khan displayed an energetic innings, scoring 54 runs to set the stage for the Sultans’ pursuit. Following his lead, No.3 batsman Usman Khan contributed with an aggressive unbeaten 36 runs, ultimately securing the victory for his team.
United’s morale and confidence would have received a significant boost with back-to-back victories in knockout matches against the Gladiators and Zalmi. This would instill in them the belief that they have what it takes to surpass the formidable Sultans in the final confrontation.
After a convincing triumph against the Gladiators, United staged an impressive comeback against Peshawar on Saturday. Despite facing a daunting situation at 91/5, they showcased resilience and successfully chased down the challenging target of 186, displaying remarkable determination and skill.
Exceptional performances from veteran all-rounder Imad Wasim and emerging batsman Haider Ali turned the tide in United’s favor, propelling them to victory and earning them a spot in the PSL 9 championship final.
Pitch report
The playing surface at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi showcased its genuine traits during the Eliminator 2 clash between United and Zalmi. Throughout the match, the pitch maintained its reliability, offering batsmen ample pace and bounce to execute their shots with confidence. This pattern is anticipated to persist in the final showdown when United takes on the Sultans once more.
Likely playing XI
Multan Sultans: Yasir Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (C & Wk), Usman Khan, Johnson Charles, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali
Islamabad United: Martin Guptill, Alex Hales, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan (C), Azam Khan (WK), Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Hunain Shah, Obed McCoy
Prediction
Despite the Sultans demonstrating superior performance throughout the tournament, the United have built substantial momentum by clinching two consecutive knockout wins. Nonetheless, the Sultans might still view themselves as holding the upper hand, given their overall stronger abilities in all facets of the game.
