F.P. Report
LAHORE: Multan Sultans Friday defeated Quetta Gladiators by 117 runs in the 25th match of the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
It is the heaviest defeat in terms of runs in the Pakistan Super League beating Multan’s 110-run win against Quetta last season.
The result also ensured playoff spots for Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi while Islamabad United and Gladiators were still in the mix While Multan Sultans are pretty much guaranteed to top the points table. However, Quetta’s chances are bleak as it needs to beat Kings heavily in their last outgoing and should pray for heavy losses for the United.
Batting first, Multan Sultans gave Quetta a mounting target of 246 for victory. In reply, Quetta was done and dusted for 128 runs in 15.5 overs.
There was nothing to talk about the Gladiators inning, with the exception of Umar Akmal and Jason Roy, who scored fiery 50 (23) and 38 (19) respectively. While, the skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed remained unbeaten on 17 (23).
Multan bowlers continued the momentum, provided by their batters. David Willey, Asif Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani and Khushdil Shah took two each, while Imran Tahir bagged one wicket.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Multan Sultans batted first against Quetta Gladiators and made the second highest score in the history of PSL, as the Rizwan XI have posted a gigantic total of 246 runs.
The Sultans’ openers got off to a great start and their first wicket fell at 119 runs. Shaun Masood was dismissed for 57 runs by Mohammad Irfan.
The Sultans scored mounting 245 runs for the loss of 3 wickets and gave Quetta a target of 246 runs.
Rilee Rossouw scored 71 and Khushdil Shah 10, while skipper Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 83.
In the match played in Lahore, Multan Sultans won the toss and elected to bat first.
Rilee Rossouw was named player of the match.
Rossouw said: “Shan and Rizzy set the foundation for the back end for guys to go out and express themselves.”
About his new style of celebration said it was another football inspiration.
“The boys and I have a good thing going on FIFA back in the team room. Every game is important. We’re playing really good cricket.”
