Smith fifty condemns Rawalpindiz to eighth straight loss

The Rawalpindiz were condemned to their eighth straight loss of the season as the Multan Sultans chased down a 167-run target in 18.4 overs. The win consolidates the Sultans' second-place position on the points table.

Opting to bat first, the Rawalpindiz were reduced to 6/2 and managed only 33 runs in the Powerplay. A 63-run partnership between Daryl Mitchell and captain Mohammad Rizwan stabilized the innings, though Rizwan struggled for timing and was dismissed for 26 off 29 balls. Mitchell then added 52 runs with Sam Billings before Dian Forrester provided late impetus with 37 off 15 balls. Mitchell remained unbeaten on 58 as Rawalpindiz posted 166/4.

In reply, Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith gave the Sultans a brisk start. Smith shifted the momentum decisively in the ninth over, hitting Razaullah for a boundary and three sixes. By the halfway stage, the Sultans were comfortably placed at 89/1. Rawalpindiz struck back with quick wickets of Smith and Josh Philippe, but with minimal scoreboard pressure, they couldn't contain the chase. Ashton Turner guided the team home with an unbeaten 37 off 21 balls.

The Sultans now face back-to-back fixtures, taking on the Hyderabad Kingsmen in less than 24 hours.

Brief Scores: Rawalpindiz 166/4 in 20 overs (Daryl Mitchell 58*, Dian Forrester 37*; Mohammad Imran Randhawa 1-9) lost to Multan Sultans 167/4 in 18.4 overs (Steve Smith 56, Ashton Turner 37*; Asif Afridi 2-28) by six wickets.