PSL 9 Final | Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United | Preview, prediction and likely playing XIs

• Multan Sultans and Islamabad United will face each other in the final.
• Sultans won their inaugural PSL title back in 2021.
• Sultans might have upper hand against United in the final.

The final match of the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is scheduled for Monday (March 18), with Multan Sultans facing off against Islamabad United at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi.

After a month of exciting T20 matches, the PSL 2024 is now at its climax. The Sultans, previous champions, are looking to reclaim the prestigious trophy in a match against their rivals from Islamabad.

Throughout the tournament, the Sultans have shown their prowess, winning seven out of ten league stage matches and then decisively beating Peshawar Zalmi in the first qualifier.

On the other hand, United has made it to the final with a strong momentum, having secured victories in two back-to-back knockout games against Quetta Gladiators and Zalmi in the first and second eliminators, respectively.

In the first qualifier of the PSL, the Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan, showcased their dominance by restricting Zalmi to 146/7 and winning the match comfortably with seven wickets and nearly two overs to spare. Key performances were given by bowlers Usama Mir and Chris Jordan, and batsmen Yasir Khan and Usman Khan, who scored 54 and an unbeaten 36 respectively.

United, after winning two consecutive knockout games and making a remarkable comeback against the Peshawar team, are heading into the final with high confidence. Key performances from Imad Wasim and Haider Ali, who both scored half-centuries, helped United overcome a challenging target and secure their place in the championship final.

Pitch Report

During the second Eliminator match between United and Zalmi, the pitch at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium showcased its typical features. It offered a consistent bounce and pace, allowing batsmen to hit through the line effectively. This pattern is likely to persist in the final match where United will face the Sultans.

Likely Playing XIs

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

Although the Sultans have demonstrated their strength throughout the tournament, United has built considerable momentum with two successive victories in the knock-out stages. Nevertheless, the Sultans might still consider themselves as having the upper hand due to their well-rounded abilities.

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