PSL 2024 (Season 9): Islamabad United Win Third Title by 2 Wickets, Imad Wasim Takes Five in the Final

Islamabad United won their third Pakistan Super League title on 18 March 2024, defeating Multan Sultans by 2 wickets in an extraordinarily tense final at National Stadium, Karachi. Multan Sultans posted 159/9 from their 20 overs — kept to that total largely by Imad Wasim's 5-wicket haul, the first five-for in PSL final history. Islamabad United then scraped home at 163/8, losing wickets at regular intervals but never losing their nerve in one of the most dramatic finishes in PSL history. The 2-wicket margin and the stop-start nature of the chase made it one of the competition's most gripping finals.

Imad Wasim: Five-For — First in PSL Final History

Imad Wasim's five-wicket haul in the PSL Season 9 final was a historic achievement — no bowler had previously taken five wickets in a PSL final. Wasim, Pakistan's left-arm spinner and a veteran of international cricket and multiple PSL campaigns with Islamabad United, used his flight, variations, and the pressure of the final to dismiss five Multan Sultans batters and restrict them to 159/9. His dual contribution — five wickets in the first innings, then playing a role in closing out the chase — made him the match's decisive individual. Imad Wasim has a long association with Islamabad United and his PSL final five-for is the crowning moment of that franchise partnership.

Shadab Khan: Player of the Tournament

Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) was named Player of the Tournament for PSL Season 9 with 305 runs and 14 wickets — confirming his status as Pakistan's most valuable T20 all-rounder. Shadab, who also captains Islamabad United and the Pakistan T20I team, combines aggressive batting from the middle order with leg-spin bowling that takes wickets in both the powerplay and the death overs. His dual contribution of 300+ runs and 14 wickets across a T20 franchise competition places him among a very small group of players globally who can contribute meaningfully in both disciplines across an entire competition.

Islamabad United's PSL Title History

Islamabad United's PSL Season 9 title was their third championship (previous wins: PSL Season 1 in 2016 and PSL Season 2 in 2017). They are one of three PSL franchises with multiple titles alongside Lahore Qalandars (Seasons 7, 8, and 10) and Karachi Kings (Season 5). Islamabad United's squad philosophy — built around retaining homegrown Pakistan talent and smart overseas selection — has produced sustained competitive campaigns across multiple PSL cycles. The 2-wicket margin in the 2024 final was a reminder that PSL knockout cricket is among the most unpredictable in global T20 franchise cricket.