The Pakistan Super League 2026 approaches its business end, and Islamabad United are set to face Multan Sultans in their 40th match of the tournament. This crucial encounter is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Karachi on Sunday, April 26. Both teams have had contrasting journeys in this edition, and with the playoff race heating up, every point is precious.
Islamabad United come into this match with a recent record of W, W, L, W, L. They have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency at times. Led by the ever-energetic Shadab Khan, Islamabad possesses a balanced squad with experienced campaigners like Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf, alongside explosive batters like Devon Conway and Mark Chapman.
Multan Sultans, meanwhile, have a recent form of W, L, W, W, L. Their batting is undoubtedly their biggest strength. The top three of Sahibzada Farhan, Steven Smith, and Josh Philippe is among the most formidable in the league. Farhan has carried his sensational form from the T20 World Cup into the PSL, while Smith brings unparalleled class to the middle order. However, their bowling remains a concern, often proving expensive on flat surfaces.
The head-to-head record between these two sides is incredibly tight. Overall, Islamabad United leads 10-9 across 19 meetings. However, in their last 5 encounters, Islamabad has dominated with 4 wins to Multan’s 1. That recent history will give the United camp confidence. But on a batting-friendly Karachi pitch where dew plays a significant role, this promises to be a high-scoring thriller.
Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans Win Probability
IU vs MS Match Details
| Match | Pakistan Super League 2026, 40th Match |
| Date | Sunday, 26 April 2026 |
| Time | 07:30 PM (IST) |
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Live Streaming (TV) | PAK: PTV Sports, Ten Sports, A Sports, BAN: T Sports, UAE: OSN Sports and Tapmad |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | FanCode |
IU vs MS Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Multan Sultans
Multan’s recent form reads W, L, W, W, L. Their key strength is an explosive top order. Sahibzada Farhan has carried his sensational T20 World Cup form into the PSL. Steven Smith brings world-class class and experience. Josh Philippe provides explosive wicketkeeping options. Their concern is unreliable bowling—the attack has often proven expensive on flat surfaces. Their psychological edge is their batting depth—they can chase down any total on a good pitch.
Islamabad United
Islamabad’s recent form reads W, W, L, W, L. Their key strength is a balanced and experienced squad. Devon Conway provides class at the top. Mark Chapman adds explosive middle-order hitting. Shadab Khan is a genuine all-round threat. Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf provide experience in both departments. Their concern is inconsistent batting—they have struggled to post big totals consistently. Their psychological edge is their dominant recent head-to-head record (4 wins in last 5 meetings).
IU vs MS Probable Playing XI
Islamabad United Probable XI-
Devon Conway (wk), Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Faiq, Mark Chapman, Shadab Khan (c), Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Richard Gleeson, Mohammad Hasnain.
Multan Sultans Probable XI-
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.
IU vs MS Head-to-Head Record
| Last 5 Matches | |
| IU Won | 04 |
| MS Won | 01 |
| Draw/NR/Tie | 00 |
IU vs MS Pitch Report
The pitch at National Stadium, Karachi is generally batsman-friendly, offering a flat surface with true bounce that allows stroke-makers to play freely. The fast outfield further helps batters, making it a venue where high totals are common, especially in T20 matches.
Pacers may get some movement or swing with the new ball in the early overs, but as the game progresses, the pitch becomes easier for batting. Spinners can find some assistance in the middle overs, though the surface rarely provides sharp turn. In evening games, dew often plays a role, making it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball in the second innings, which can give an advantage to the chasing side. Overall, the pitch favors entertaining, high-scoring contests.
Powerplay overs are crucial, with teams aiming for a strong start above 50+ runs. Anything around 185+ batting first is highly competitive here.
IU vs MS Weather Report
On April 26 at 7:00 PM local time at National Stadium in Karachi, the weather is expected to be warm but more comfortable compared to the daytime heat. Temperatures will likely be around 29–32°C at the start of the match and gradually decrease as the evening progresses. The skies should remain clear to mostly clear, with no significant chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play. A light sea breeze is expected, which may provide some relief from the warmth. Overall, it will be a pleasant evening for cricket, with dry and stable weather ideal for a full match under lights.
IU vs MS Toss Prediction
We’re hoping the team wins the toss and chooses to bowl first. The dew factor in night games can make chasing slightly easier, and with the pitch flattening out under lights, captains will prefer to know the target.
IU vs MS Match Prediction
This is a clash between two teams with contrasting strengths. Multan has the superior batting firepower; Islamabad has the better recent head-to-head record.
Multan Sultans’s top order is among the best in the league. Sahibzada Farhan is in red-hot form, carrying his T20 World Cup momentum. Steven Smith brings world-class class. Josh Philippe provides explosive options. Their batting depth means they can chase down any total on a flat Karachi pitch.
Islamabad United have a dominant recent head-to-head record, winning 4 of the last 5 meetings. Devon Conway and Mark Chapman provide explosive batting. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim form a potent spin attack. Their squad is experienced and balanced.
The key battle will be Multan’s top order against Islamabad’s spin attack. If Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim can contain Farhan and Smith in the middle overs, Islamabad can gain control. If Farhan gets going, Multan could post a daunting total.
Expect a high-scoring contest where Multan’s explosive batting and the dew factor give them a slight edge.
We predict that Multan Sultans will win this match.
IU vs MS Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper- Josh Philippe, Devon Conway
- Batters- Sahibzada Farhan, Steven Smith, Mark Chapman
- All-rounders- Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz
- Bowlers- Mohammad Wasim Jr, Peter Siddle, Richard Gleeson
Captain (C) Pick- Sahibzada Farhan.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick- Shadab Khan.
