LAHORE: Multan Sultans continued their dominant run in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine by handing defending champions Lahore Qalandars their sixth consecutive defeat in a thrilling encounter at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Multan Sultans put up a formidable total of 214 runs for the loss of four wickets, fueled by an explosive innings from Usman Khan. Khan’s blazing knock of 96 runs from 55 balls, complemented by a rapid cameo from Iftikhar Ahmed, propelled the Multan Sultans to a commanding position.
In response, Lahore Qalandars struggled to keep up with the required run rate, eventually falling short as they managed only 154 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Usama Mir’s sensational six-wicket haul wreaked havoc on Qalandars’ batting lineup, leaving them reeling and unable to mount a substantial challenge.
Multan Sultans Batting Against Lahore Qalandars
Despite an early breakthrough by Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Afridi, Multan Sultans staged a comeback with crucial partnerships, including a pivotal 70-run stand between Reeza Hendricks and Usman Khan. Sikandar Raza and Carlos Brathwaite chipped in with vital wickets for Lahore Qalandars, but it was not enough to contain the Multan Sultans’ onslaught.
With this victory, Multan Sultans further solidified their position at the top of the PSL 9 points table, while Lahore Qalandars faced an uphill battle to revive their campaign after a string of disappointing results.
Lahore have been wayward in bowling and their inconsistent batting let them down this PSL season. Their talented openers, Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman, have failed to contribute big partnerships. Spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, their bowling attack lacked the punch needed to put opponents on the back foot. To add to their woes is an injury to pacer Haris Rauf, who is sidelined for the season. Their spinners also failed to make inroads in the batting lineup of opponents.
Multan Sultans, on the other hand, have everything going in their favour. Led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, their batting has displayed consistency and firepower. Their bowling is equally impressive throughout the tournament. Pacer Mohammad Ali and spinner Usama pick wickets at crucial times to lead their side to victory.
Work of art. Put it in a museum already! #HBLPSL9 | #SultanSupremacy | #LQvMS
— Multan Sultans (@MultanSultans) February 27, 2024
