Multan Sultans finally broke their losing streak in PSL 10 by defeating Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs in the 12th match of the season. The match was played on Tuesday at the Multan Cricket Stadium, where the home side gave their fans plenty to cheer about.
Batting first, Multan Sultans put up a huge total of 228 runs for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs. The decision to bat after winning the toss proved wise for the Sultans. Yasir Khan was the star with the bat, smashing a stunning 87 off just 44 deliveries. His innings included six towering sixes and six boundaries, keeping the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace.
Iftikhar Ahmed provided the perfect finish with an unbeaten 40 from only 18 balls. His aggressive hitting lifted Multan Sultans to a commanding total. Earlier in the innings, Usman Khan added a solid 39, while skipper Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with a steady 32 runs, anchoring the top order.
On the bowling front, Lahore Qalandars struggled. Rishad Hossain managed to take two wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Asif Afridi, and Sikandar Raza grabbed one wicket each but failed to slow down the Multan Sultans’ charge.
Chasing 229, Lahore Qalandars could only reach 195 for 9 at the end of their innings. Sikandar Raza fought hard, scoring a fighting 50, while Sam Billings contributed 43 runs. However, Lahore’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the soaring required rate. Fakhar Zaman scored 22, Daryl Mitchell made 19, and Mohammad Naeem added 11, but none could build a lasting partnership.
Multan Sultans’ bowlers delivered a strong performance to defend their total. Ubaid Shah was the pick of the attack, claiming three important wickets. Usama Mir and Rashid Hussain picked up two wickets each, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Asif Afridi took one apiece, helping the Sultans dominate the second innings.
Before this match, Multan Sultans were at the bottom of the points table. They had lost all three of their opening games. A return to home conditions brought the change they desperately needed.
This was the 19th meeting between the two teams in PSL history. Multan Sultans now lead the head-to-head 10-9 against Lahore Qalandars, including two encounters in the finals.
Lahore Qalandars entered this clash with momentum. After losing their first match to Islamabad United, they had bounced back with two impressive wins. Fakhar Zaman, in particular, was in great form, earning back-to-back player of the match awards.
Multan made two changes for this critical match. Yasir Khan and Joshua Little replaced Shai Hope and Akif Javed. Lahore Qalandars decided to stick with their winning combination, fielding an unchanged side.
