In PSL 9, Islamabad United defeated Multan Sultans by 2 wickets before celebrating their third title by waving Palestine flags in solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
After winning their third PSL title, Pakistani players from Islamabad United did something memorable. Standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people, who are suffering on a daily basis as a result of the war between Hamas and Israel, a group of Pakistani players, including captain Shadab Khan and all-rounder Imad Wasim, waved Palestine flags and walked around the stadium to thank the fans while also delivering a political but human message to the world.
It should be noted that none of the international players joined the Pakistanis at Islamabad United in celebrating the Palestine flag. This act has captured the attention of the entire world. According to a report published on npr.org, over 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza.
Watch Islamabad United players walking around the stadium with Palestine flags after PSL win:
Breaking| Islamabad united waving Palestine flags after winning HBL PSL 9 final, Pakistan stand with Palestine Pakistan 🇵🇰🇵🇸 #PSL2024 pic.twitter.com/CMyjmhTvFI
— Javeria Sultan (@javeria_sultan1) March 18, 2024
The PSL final ended on a thrilling note, with Hunain Shah hitting a last-ball boundary to win the tie for Islamabad. Imad Wasim was named Player of the Match after his outstanding performance with the ball and bat. He finished with five wickets and was caught smoking a cigarette in the dressing room. Then he came to bat, scoring 19 runs to help Islamabad win the thriller.
Earlier, the Multan Sultans won the toss and chose to bat, but their decision backfired as they were reduced to 14 for 2 in 7 overs. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan scored a run-a-ball 26 while no one else, aside from Usman Khan (40-ball 57), showed up. Iftikhar Ahmed helped the Sultans reach 150 with a scintillating 20-ball 30 that included three fours and sixes.
The Sultans set Islamabad a 160-run target, and they got off to a good start before losing Colin Munro and Agha Salman during the powerplay. Martin Guptill scored 50 runs off 32 balls to keep them in the chase. Azam Khan hit a 22-ball 30 as the middle order struggled. If Imad had not stood there until the end, Islamabad’s fate could have been sealed.
Shadab was named player of the tournament for his overall performance and leadership abilities. After the PSL final, Pakistan’s players take a much-needed break before reuniting in Green shirts to play the New Zealand T20Is, which begin next month.