KARACHI: Islamabad United delivered a powerful batting performance to secure a top-two finish in Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, comfortably chasing down a challenging target against Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 193, United reached the target inside 18 overs, thanks to a collective batting effort anchored by a sensational unbeaten knock from Mark Chapman.

United’s run chase began on a shaky note as Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway fell early within the first five overs. However, Mohsin Riaz and skipper Shadab Khan counterattacked to stabilize the innings.

Riaz continued his impressive form, smashing 25 off 17 balls, including five boundaries, before Faisal Akram broke the 31-run partnership.

At 72 for 3 in 7.3 overs, Mark Chapman joined Shadab Khan at the crease, and the pair took control of the chase with aggressive yet calculated batting. Their partnership pushed United to 135 in just 14.3 overs, keeping the required rate well within reach.

Shadab contributed a steady 36 off 28 balls, hitting five boundaries, before departing. Despite a couple of quick wickets from the Sultans, Chapman remained composed till the end.

The New Zealand batter finished the match in style, striking a boundary in the penultimate over to seal victory. His unbeaten 69 off just 33 balls, laced with six sixes and four fours, proved to be the defining innings of the match.

For Multan Sultans, Faisal Akram was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets.

With this win, Islamabad United finished the group stage with 14 points and are now set to face Peshawar Zalmi on April 28 at the same venue.

Earlier, Multan Sultans posted a competitive total of 192-7 after being asked to bat first.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith provided a blazing start, racing to 60 runs before United struck back with quick wickets. Both batters scored identical 30s, each hitting four boundaries and a six.

Following their dismissals, Shan Masood and Josh Philippe attempted to rebuild the innings with a 42-run partnership. However, United’s bowlers tightened their grip, leading to another middle-order collapse.

Philippe fell for 11, while Ashton Turner managed just nine before departing. The pressure mounted as wickets continued to tumble, with Sultans slipping to 136-6 in 16.3 overs.

A late surge from Mohammad Wasim and Arafat Minhas revived the innings. The duo stitched together a quickfire 56-run partnership, giving the total a much-needed boost.

Wasim remained unbeaten on 26 off just nine balls, hitting two sixes and two fours, while Minhas scored an unbeaten 31 off 19 deliveries, including three sixes.

Islamabad United’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with all six bowlers contributing one wicket each. Imad Wasim stood out with his economical spell, playing a key role in restricting the Sultans below the 200-mark.

With a clinical chase and an all-round team effort, Islamabad United not only secured victory but also strengthened their position heading into the playoffs, underlining their credentials as strong title contenders.