Rawalpindiz set a modest 167-run target against Multan Sultans with Daryl Mitchell’s half-century in the 31st match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first, the debutants accumulated 166/6 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a handy fifth-wicket partnership between Mitchell and Dian Forrester.
The Pindiz, however, got off to a dismal start to their innings as they lost the top-order duo of Shahzaib Khan (zero) and Yasir Khan (four) inside two overs with just six runs on the board.
Following the early stutter, Mitchell joined captain Mohammad Rizwan in the middle, and the duo batted cautiously to put together 63 runs for the third wicket until the former was stumped off Arafat Minhas in the 11th over.
The Pindiz skipper could muster 26 off 29 deliveries with the help of one six and a four.
Mitchell was then involved in a crucial fourth-wicket partnership with Sam Billings, which yielded 52 runs off 39 deliveries before Mohammad Wasim Jr dismissed the latter with a short-pitched delivery in the 17th over. The wicketkeeper batter contributed with a 20-ball 29, featuring two fours and a six.
Billings’s dismissal paved the way for Forrester to walk out and bat at No.6, and the left-handed batter added valuable runs at the backend for RawalPindiz with a blistering 37-run cameo, coming off just 15 deliveries and featuring three sixes and as many fours.
Mitchell, on the other hand, ensured holding on to the other end firmly during the unbeaten 45-run partnership and returned after top-scoring with 58 not out from 46 deliveries, studded with three fours and two sixes.
For Sultans, Mohammad Imran, Peter Siddle, Wasim Jr and Minhas could pick up one wicket apiece.
About the Author
