The final group-stage clash of PSL 2026 is here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Islamabad United and Multan Sultans will face off at the National Stadium in Karachi tonight, Sunday, April 26, to decide who takes the coveted second spot and a “double chance” in the playoffs.
Match Details: Islamabad United vs. Multan Sultans (Match 40)
- Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 07:30 PM IST (07:00 PM Local)
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Playoff Stakes: Both teams have already qualified. However, the winner will secure 2nd place and advance to Qualifier 1 against Peshawar Zalmi. The loser will likely finish 3rd and head into the high-pressure Eliminator 1.
- Multan Sultans simply need to win or avoid a massive defeat to stay 2nd.
- Islamabad United must win to leapfrog Multan on points. Thanks to their superior NRR (+1.766), even a narrow win will guarantee them the second seed.
Pitch & Weather Report
- The Surface: The Karachi track is a batter’s paradise. Expect a high-scoring game where 190+ is the par score.
- Dew Factor: Significant dew is expected during the second innings, making it difficult for spinners to grip the ball. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first.
- Weather: Clear skies with temperatures around 30°C. High humidity will make it a physically demanding evening for the players.
Predicted Playing XIs
Islamabad United: Devon Conway (wk), Sameer Minhas, Mark Chapman, Mohsin Riaz, Shadab Khan (c), Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Salman Mirza.
Multan Sultans: Sahibzada Farhan, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner (c), Josh Philippe (wk), Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Peter Siddle, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ismail.
Key Player to Watch: Steven Smith
The Australian veteran has been the backbone of the Sultans’ batting lineup this season. With 337 runs across nine matches, Smith’s ability to anchor the innings on the flat Karachi deck will be crucial in countering the versatile spin attack of Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim.
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Points | NRR |
| 1 | Peshawar Zalmi (Q) | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 17 | +2.324 |
| 2 | Multan Sultans (Q) | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 12 | +0.450 |
| 3 | Islamabad United (Q) | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 11 | +1.766 |



