Islamabad beat Multan to book qualifier with Zalmi

[Getty Images]

Islamabad United set up a meeting with table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League qualifier after a four-wicket victory against Multan Sultans.

The winner of final league-stage game had the chance to clinch second place and a spot in the qualifier - which offered a direct route to the final with a win or a second chance via a second eliminator if defeated.

And it was Islamabad who clinched it as Mark Chapman starred with an unbeaten 69 from 33 balls as they chased down Multan's 192-7 in Karachi to leapfrog their opponents on the table.

Multan, who finished third, will now play fourth-placed Hyderabad Kingsmen in the first eliminator on 29 April.

Batting first, Multan were given early momentum by openers Sahibzada Farhan and Steven Smith, who both scored 30, while Shan Masood scored a 33-ball 44 to take them to 129-4 in the 16th over.

After Masood's departure, Arafat Minhas and Mohammad Wasim, who struck an unbeaten 26 from nine balls, ensured they finished strongly.

Islamabad lost opener Sameer Minhas early but Shadab Khan scored 36 from 28 balls before Chapman took control of the chase.

The New Zealand all-rounder found support from Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf as he guided Islamabad to the decisive victory with eight balls to spare.

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