Chapman’s Karachi Carnage: Islamabad United Snatches Second Spot in High-Stakes Thriller!
Islamabad United confirmed their status as title favorites on a sweltering Sunday night in Karachi, pulling off a high-octane chase to defeat Multan Sultans by four wickets. The victory, fueled by a masterclass from New Zealand’s Mark Chapman, allows United to leapfrog the Sultans and secure the coveted second spot on the points table.
The result sets up a mouth-watering Qualifier 1 between Islamabad United and league-toppers Peshawar Zalmi on Tuesday, while Multan Sultans must now travel to Lahore to face the Hyderabad Kingsmen in a do-or-die Eliminator.
Chapman’s Masterclass in Finishing
Chasing a formidable 193, Islamabad United relied on their signature aggressive batting depth. While the top order saw Devon Conway and Mohsin Riaz depart in quick succession, it was Mark Chapman who turned the game on its head.
Coming in at No. 5, Chapman arrived with plenty to prove, having had limited opportunities earlier in the tournament. He made up for lost time by smoking 69 off just 33 balls*, featuring six towering sixes. Alongside captain Shadab Khan (36 off 28), Chapman anchored a 63-run partnership that broke the back of the chase. Despite a late wobble where Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf fell cheaply, Chapman remained ice-cool to guide United home with eight balls to spare.
Sultans’ Late Surge Falls Short
Earlier in the evening, Multan Sultans looked set for a below-par total after a middle-order collapse saw them slip from 102-2 to 136-6. Shan Masood was the lone warrior for much of the innings, top-scoring with a steady 44, but he lacked support as wickets tumbled around him.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the final four overs. Arafat Minhas (21) and Mohammad Wasim combined for a stunning 56-run cameo off just 21 deliveries. Wasim, in particular, was ruthless in the final over, plundering 25 runs off Salman Mirza to push the total to 192/7.
Defensive Lapses Cost Multan
Ultimately, it was the Sultans’ fielding that proved to be their undoing. Chapman was dropped early in his innings by Mohammad Wasim at square leg—a mistake that proved fatal. Several other fielding lapses allowed United to keep the scoreboard ticking during the middle overs, neutralizing the pressure created by Sultans’ bowlers.
Match Summary:
Multan Sultans: 192/7 (Masood 44, Wasim 25*, Imad 1-23)
Islamabad United: 193/6 (Chapman 69*, Shadab 36, Akram 2-41)
Result: Islamabad United won by 4 wickets.
Islamabad United now stays in Karachi with the momentum of a winning streak, while the Sultans face the grueling task of regrouping for a knockout battle in Lahore.
