PSL 2026: Rawalpindiz secure first win after nine games

Rawalpindiz finally opened their account in PSL 2026, defeating Islamabad United by six wickets in their penultimate game of the season after chasing down 137.

The breakthrough came in a match where Rawalpindiz’s bowling effort set the tone, before a measured chase led by Mohammad Rizwan ensured they avoided a ninth straight defeat.

Disciplined bowling restricts United

Islamabad United were bowled out for 137 after a troubled start that defined their innings. Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah and Asif Afridi struck early as United managed just 30 runs in the powerplay — their lowest this season — and slipped to 30/3 with Shadab Khan’s dismissal.

There was little recovery through the middle overs. Devon Conway top-scored with 40, but contributions from Mark Chapman, Haider Ali and others failed to lift the scoring rate, leaving the innings without momentum.

A brief late surge came when Chris Green capitalised on Naseem’s absence, taking advantage of part-time options Daryl Mitchell and Dian Forrester. The pair conceded 27 runs across two overs, with Green’s 29 off 16 deliveries providing United’s most impactful contribution.

For Rawalpindiz, the wickets were shared effectively, with Mohammad Amir returning 2-21, Shan Masood 2-27 and Dian Forrester 2-9.

Rizwan and Ghulam steady the chase

Rawalpindiz’s chase began with an early setback as Imad Wasim dismissed Abdullah Fazal off the first ball. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam took control with a composed 78-run partnership from 56 deliveries.

Rizwan made 45, while Ghulam added 42, as both batters paced the chase carefully rather than forcing the scoring.

The approach reflected Rawalpindiz’s batting pattern this season, prioritising stability over aggression against a modest target.

Late jitters before Mitchell seals it

There were signs of pressure when Chris Green and Shadab Khan removed both set batters within a short span, briefly opening the door for Islamabad United.

Sam Billings’ run-out, following clever work by Shadab off his own bowling, added to the uncertainty, but Daryl Mitchell ensured there would be no further collapse.

Mitchell finished unbeaten on 32 and, alongside Dian Forrester, brought the game under control in the 17th over. A six and a four off Richard Gleeson, along with extras, yielded 17 runs, reducing the target to 12 from 18 balls — a margin Rawalpindiz comfortably chased down.

They closed on 140/4 to seal a six-wicket win.

Match context and impact

The result marks Rawalpindiz’s first points of PSL 2026 after nine matches, preventing them from becoming the first side in the tournament’s history to lose nine consecutive games in a single season. While Islamabad United still require just one win to confirm qualification, this defeat has delayed that outcome.

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