Multan Sultans will face Rawalpindiz in Match 31 of PSL 2026 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Tuesday, April 21. This is one of the most one-sided fixtures left in the league stage on paper. Multan have won five of their seven matches and are on the verge of sealing a playoff spot. Rawalpindiz have not won a single game this season, losing all eight of their league-stage matches and are already out of playoff contention.
But that does not mean this match is a dead rubber for Rawalpindiz. Mohammad Rizwan and his side have nothing to lose and everything to play for in terms of pride, NRR, and showing what the debut franchise is capable of. Multan, on the other hand, are chasing another win to lock down second or third place and tune up for the playoffs. A strong performance here sets the tone for the knockout games ahead.
PSL 2026 Match 31 Rawalpindiz vs Multan Sultans Match Info
| Match | Match 31, PSL 2026 (HBL PSL 11) |
| Teams | Rawalpindiz vs Multan Sultans |
| Date | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM PKT / 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | National Bank Stadium (National Stadium), Karachi |
| Live Broadcast | PTV Sports, A Sports, Geo Super, Ten Sports |
| Live Streaming | Tapmad, Tamasha, Myco |
| RWP Captain | Mohammad Rizwan |
| MUL Captain | Ashton Turner |
PSL 2026 Match 31 Odds for Rawalpindiz vs Multan Sultans
The bookmakers have made Multan Sultans heavy favourites for this fixture. A winless Rawalpindiz side facing the second-best team in the competition does not inspire confidence in the underdogs, and that is reflected across all major platforms.
Multan is priced in the 1.22-1.30 range, reflecting the near certainty the market attaches to their win. Rawalpindiz sit between 3.50 and 4.00, leaving punters some room in case Rizwan’s side pulls off a historic first win. Multan already beat Rawalpindiz by seven wickets in Match 14, and the pattern of results this season makes it hard to argue against the Sultans.
This is an evening match at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium. Dew sets in around the 12th-15th over of the second innings, and the team chasing gets the advantage. The toss will be crucial.
| Platform | MUL Win Odds | RWP Win Odds | Toss Odds (MUL) | Toss Odds (RWP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 1.25 | 3.80 | 1.90 | 1.85 |
| Stake | 1.28 | 3.60 | 1.88 | 1.90 |
| 4RABET | 1.22 | 4.00 | 1.90 | 1.85 |
| BetVibe | 1.30 | 3.50 | 1.85 | 1.90 |
PSL 2026 Match 31 Toss Prediction for Rawalpindiz vs Multan Sultans
The National Bank Stadium in Karachi is a venue where captains overwhelmingly choose to field first in evening games. The dew rolls in from around the 12th over of the second innings, making the ball harder to grip for spinners and slower bowlers. Batting in the second innings on this dew-affected surface gives the chasing team a major advantage.
Both captains are aware of this. Mohammad Rizwan, as one of the most experienced T20 captains in the world, will be very conscious of the advantage of fielding first. Ashton Turner, with multiple wins at this ground already this season, will think similarly.
Toss Prediction: Whoever wins the toss will field first. The chasing side has won the majority of evening matches at the National Bank Stadium this PSL season, and both captains understand the dew factor well.
Rawalpindiz Predicted Playing XI for PSL 2026 Match 31
Rawalpindiz have been the biggest disappointment of PSL 2026. They came in as one of the most hyped new franchises with Mohammad Rizwan and a strong overseas core, but the results have not come. Their bowling attack has been devastated by injuries, losing Naseem Shah to a side strain and Zaman Khan to a season-ending shoulder dislocation. Those absences have been enormous.
Sam Billings has been the standout performer for Rawalpindiz this season, scoring 166 runs at a strike rate of 148.21. He has been the only consistent contributor with the bat and is their key batter going into this match. When Billings fires, Rawalpindiz at least have something to bowl at.
Mohammad Rizwan is still the captain and the heartbeat of this team. He has been quiet with the bat this season, but at this venue, he has shown he can construct an innings. A big knock from Rizwan would change the dynamic of this match entirely.
Mohammad Amir is Rawalpindiz’s most experienced bowler. His two wickets for 32 in Match 14 against Multan showed he can trouble even the best batting lineup if he gets the right conditions. At this venue, with early seam movement, he could be the key for Rawalpindiz in the powerplay.
Predicted XI:
| Rank | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mohammad Rizwan (wk/c) | WK-Batter (Opener) |
| 2 | Usman Khawaja | Batter (Opener) |
| 3 | Yasir Khan | Batter |
| 4 | Daryl Mitchell | All-rounder |
| 5 | Abdullah Fazal | Batter |
| 6 | Sam Billings | Batter |
| 7 | Saad Masood | All-rounder |
| 8 | Asif Afridi | All-rounder |
| 9 | Mubasir Khan | All-rounder |
| 10 | Ben Sears | Bowler |
| 11 | Mohammad Amir | Bowler |
Key Notes:
- Naseem Shah remains unavailable with a side strain. His absence continues to leave a serious gap in the Rawalpindiz pace attack. Ben Sears (New Zealand) has been signed as his replacement.
- Zaman Khan is ruled out for the entire tournament after dislocating his acromioclavicular joint in his right shoulder. Jalat Khan was his official replacement in the squad.
- Daryl Mitchell is one of the most reliable middle-order batters at the international level. If Rawalpindiz are to post a competitive total, they need Mitchell to convert his starts into 40-plus knocks.
Multan Sultans Predicted Playing XI for PSL 2026 Match 31
Multan Sultans have been the most consistent side in PSL 2026 outside of Peshawar Zalmi. Five wins from seven, a solid batting lineup, and a well-balanced bowling attack have put them in control of their own destiny heading into the last three league games. Their 207/7 in the win over Karachi Kings in Match 28 showed their batting depth and ability to accelerate at the death.
Josh Philippe is one of the most explosive openers in this tournament. His 56 off 30 balls in the first meeting against Rawalpindiz was clinical. The Australian has been Multan’s most dangerous batter at the top and will look to exploit the early power-play conditions in Karachi.
Shan Masood offers Multan’s batting a different dimension. He posted 46 off 25 in Match 28 against Karachi and has been producing key cameos throughout the tournament. His ability to play to the situation makes him valuable whether Multan are setting or chasing.
Arafat Minhas was the Player of the Match in the Karachi Kings game, taking 3/32. The youngster has been a standout in PSL 2026 and is the kind of bowler who can disrupt any top order with late swing and tight lines.
Predicted XI:
| Rank | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Awais Zafar | Batter (Opener) |
| 2 | Steven Smith | Batter |
| 3 | Josh Philippe (wk) | WK-Batter |
| 4 | Shan Masood | Batter |
| 5 | Ashton Turner (c) | All-rounder |
| 6 | Arafat Minhas | All-rounder |
| 7 | Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| 8 | Mohammad Imran Randhawa | All-rounder |
| 9 | Mohammad Wasim Jr | Bowler |
| 10 | Peter Siddle | Bowler |
| 11 | Momin Qamar | Bowler |
Key Notes:
- Sahibzada Farhan was Multan’s most destructive batter earlier in the season, smashing 68 off 38 against Rawalpindiz in Match 14. However, his role in recent XIs has shifted. If he plays, Multan becomes even more dangerous at the top.
- Peter Siddle brings Australian experience with the new ball in Karachi’s conditions. He took 2/28 against Karachi Kings and has been consistently competitive across the tournament.
- Mohammad Nawaz is the lead spinner and a genuine all-rounder. His ability to contribute with bat and ball in the middle overs makes him essential to Multan’s plans in both innings.
National Bank Stadium Pitch Report, PSL 2026
The National Bank Stadium (formerly National Stadium) in Karachi has played a key role in PSL 2026. It has hosted several close contests and produced results that consistently favour the chasing side. The pitch is two-paced, with early seam movement that helps pace bowlers and spin that grips in the later overs.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Stadium | National Bank Stadium (National Stadium), Karachi |
| Capacity | 34,000 (matches played behind closed doors) |
| Pitch Type | Two-paced, slow, spin-friendly in later overs |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (PSL 2026, Karachi) | ~162 runs |
| Boundary Size | 62m square, 70m straight |
| Best Strategy (Evening game) | Field first (dew factor, wet ball in the second innings) |
What to expect from the surface on April 21:
- The Karachi surface has been two-paced and low throughout PSL 2026. Balls that look to come onto the bat sometimes grip and stop, catching batters off guard. Lahore Qalandars were restricted to just 134 on this surface in Match 26.
- Spin is where the game gets won and lost at this venue. Spinners have extracted good purchase, especially in the middle overs. Momin Qamar and Mohammad Nawaz for Multan, and Asif Afridi for Rawalpindiz, will be the key names in overs 7-15.
- Pace gets early movement in the powerplay. The new ball seams in the first three to four overs. Both Mohammad Amir and Peter Siddle/Mohammad Wasim Jr will look to strike early with movement and seam.
- Dew is a significant factor in evening matches at this venue. Once it sets in around the 12th-15th over of the second innings, the ball becomes harder to grip for the fielding sides.
- Expected score range: 155-175 per innings, with totals above 175 being competitive.
Karachi Weather Report, April 21, 2026
Karachi in April brings warm evenings with humidity building up after sunset. Conditions will be similar to recent matches played at this venue.
| Weather Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Clear skies, warm and humid |
| Temperature | 30C-33C (evening), cools slightly after sunset |
| Humidity | Moderate to high (~55-65%) |
| Wind Speed | 10-14 km/h from the West (sea breeze) |
| Cloud Cover | Minimal |
| Dew Factor | Yes, expected after the 12th-15th over of the second innings |
| Rain Probability | Less than 5% |
| Match Interruption Risk | Very Low |
April in Karachi has a very low probability of rainfall. The sea breeze from Karachi’s coastal location adds some swing in the early overs, particularly for a seam bowler like Mohammad Amir. Players will need to manage the humidity through long spells, which will be especially challenging for the fast bowlers.
Rawalpindiz vs Multan Sultans Head-to-Head Record
Rawalpindiz are a brand-new franchise in PSL 2026, which means there is very limited head-to-head history between these two sides. They met for the first time in Match 14 of PSL 2026.
Overall Head-to-Head (PSL History):
| Matches Played | MUL Wins | RWP Wins | No Result/Tied |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
This is only the second-ever meeting between these two franchises. Multan won the first encounter convincingly. Rawalpindiz, as a PSL debutant side, have no historical data to fall back on and no wins on the board this season.
Previous Meeting:
| Match | Season | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSL 2026 Match 14 | 2026 | MUL | 7 wickets |
In Match 14 at Gaddafi Stadium on April 6, Multan chased 183 in 16.2 overs with seven wickets to spare. Sahibzada Farhan (68 off 38) and Josh Philippe (56 off 30) put on a 110-run second-wicket stand that demolished the Rawalpindiz bowling. Sam Billings held the Rawalpindiz innings together with an unbeaten 56 off 34, but it was not enough on a flat Lahore surface.
Rivalry Context:
- This is the youngest rivalry in PSL history, with Rawalpindiz being a new franchise. There is no legacy or baggage from previous seasons for either team to draw on.
- Multan Sultans have been a dominant PSL team. Since their first title in PSL 2021, they have consistently been in the playoff conversation and bring tournament experience that Rawalpindiz lack entirely.
- The biggest PSL all-time records in this fixture are all blank. Whoever makes runs or takes wickets in this match is writing the very first chapter of this rivalry.
Our Prediction: Multan Sultans Have Better Chances to Win Against Rawalpindiz in PSL 2026 Match 31
Bottom line: Multan Sultans win, restricting Rawalpindiz in the 150-165 range and chasing it down with the dew assisting them in the second innings.
Why Multan Sultans Will Win
Form is overwhelming. Five wins from seven matches versus zero wins from eight. Multan has done this against Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindiz, and Islamabad United. They are the most complete side left competing for a playoff place.
They already beat Rawalpindiz comfortably. In Match 14 at Gaddafi, Multan chased 183 in 16.2 overs. The Rawalpindiz bowling has not improved since, and they have now lost their two most dangerous fast bowlers in Naseem Shah and Zaman Khan.
Philippe, Smith, and Masood are match-winners on this surface. The National Bank Stadium has consistently rewarded good batting, and these three have all shown the ability to accelerate at the right moments. Multan’s batting depth from 1 to 8 is simply more dangerous than anything Rawalpindiz can put up.
Why Rawalpindiz Could Win
Sam Billings on his day can be unstoppable. His 56 off 34 against Multan in Match 14 showed that even in a losing team, Billings can post serious damage. If he gets going at the top of the order in Karachi, Rawalpindiz could put up a surprise total.
Mohammad Amir is a wildcard. He is one of the most skilful left-arm pacers Pakistan has produced. At the National Bank Stadium, with the new ball swinging in the sea breeze, he could remove one or two top-order batters early and create a difficult chase.
First win desperation is real. When a team has nothing to lose and pride is the only currency left, strange things can happen in T20 cricket. Rawalpindiz are playing for their first-ever PSL win, and that motivation should not be dismissed entirely.
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Final Verdict
Multan Sultans are in a different class to Rawalpindiz this season. The form gap, the bowling injury crisis at Rawalpindiz, the head-to-head record from their first meeting, and Multan’s quality from 1 to 11 all point in one direction. Ashton Turner’s side will be motivated to go into the playoffs in good form, and this is the kind of fixture they should win comfortably.
That said, Karachi’s dew factor and a flat pitch mean both teams can score. If Rawalpindiz bat first and Sam Billings or Daryl Mitchell puts together a 60-plus knock, they could put up 165-170. That would at least test Multan’s chase. But on all available evidence, Multan are a class above and should get the job done.
Prediction: Multan Sultans to win Match 31 and move closer to confirming their playoff place.
This prediction is based on publicly available squad data, injury reports, venue stats, and historical records as of April 20, 2026. Official playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.
