Multan Sultans made light work of a 167-run chase, overhauling Rawalpindi's modest total with 8 balls to spare in the 31st match of PSL 2026 at Karachi. Steven Smith was the architect of the chase, playing one of his finest T20 innings to score a blazing 56 off 31 balls and set up a platform from which Multan never looked back. Rawalpindi's below-par 166/4, built around DJ Mitchell's patient 58, was never going to be enough against a Sultans side full of confidence and firepower.

Rawalpindi Innings: Mitchell Holds Firm, But Total Falls Short

Rawalpindi had a torrid start, losing 2 wickets inside the first 6 overs while managing just 33 runs — a powerplay that immediately put them on the back foot and handed Multan's bowlers the early initiative. The required momentum was simply never found in the opening exchanges, and the run rate remained sluggish well into the middle overs.

Mohammad Rizwan and DJ Mitchell steadied the ship with a 50-run third-wicket partnership off 41 balls, but it was grafting cricket rather than the explosive scoring Rawalpindi needed to post a competitive total. Mitchell was the senior batter in the partnership and carried that responsibility through the innings, eventually bringing up his fifty off 40 balls — a measured knock of 3 fours and 2 sixes that was more about survival than carnage.

At the strategic timeout Rawalpindi were 105/3 in 15 overs — behind the game and needing a big finish. Sam Billings joined Mitchell and the two put on a 50-run fourth-wicket stand in 35 balls, Billings contributing 28 with some late aggression. Multan's bowling review for D Forrester's wicket in over 19.2 was struck down, allowing Forrester to finish unbeaten on 37 alongside Mitchell's 58. But the damage was already done in those opening powerplay overs — Rawalpindi could only post 166/4, a total that looked at least 20 runs short on this surface.

Multan Sultans Chase: Smith's Class Seals It Early

Multan's chase was never in doubt once Steven Smith got going. The Australian veteran came to the crease and immediately played with a fluency and authority that belied the pressure of a PSL chase. Smith and JR Philippe put on a brisk 50-run second-wicket stand in just 32 balls, with Smith doing the bulk of the scoring as Multan raced to 89/1 at the first strategic timeout in 10 overs.

Smith brought up his fifty off just 27 balls — 4 fours and 3 sixes — an innings that combined his trademark elegance with genuine T20 brutality. A Multan DRS review in over 11.3 successfully challenged his dismissal and kept him at the crease, a decision that further tilted the match firmly in Multan's favour. He eventually departed for 56, but the foundation he laid was unassailable.

Shan Masood and AJ Turner completed the formalities with minimal fuss. Turner, in particular, was busy and efficient, contributing 36 in a 50-run fourth-wicket partnership forged in 33 balls that brought the equation down to a comfortable trot. Multan reached their target at 167/4 in 18.4 overs — winning by 6 wickets with 8 balls remaining and barely breaking a sweat in the process.

Steven Smith was the unanimous choice for Player of the Match, his 56 off 31 marking yet another reminder that this format holds no fears for him even at this stage of his career.

Key Moments

  • Rawalpindi's powerplay collapse of 33/2 set the tone for an under-par total.
  • DJ Mitchell's unbeaten 58 was admirable but insufficient given the lack of support around him.
  • Steve Smith's 27-ball fifty was the decisive innings of the match — elegant, explosive and utterly authoritative.
  • The successful DRS review keeping Smith at the crease in over 11.3 was the turning point of the chase.
  • Turner and Masood's calm fourth-wicket partnership sealed the game without any late drama.

Multan Sultans move to second in the PSL 2026 standings with this clinical victory. Rawalpindi's batting inconsistency continues to cost them at crucial moments in the tournament.