Multan Sultans hoping to reset under Rizwan

F.P. Report

LAHORE: Multan Sultans was in top form in HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, finishing with 14 points from 10 league phase games to top the table but the spectre of Covid-19 struck hard and derailed Multan’s momentum.

By the time the playoffs returned for action in November 2020, Multan appeared to have lost their touch and lost the Qualifier to Karachi Kings. Thereafter, they were out of the tournament after a loss in the second Eliminator to Lahore Qalandars.

Multan Sultans won’t be playing at their home ground in Multan, but instead have to be playing in front of the crowds in Karachi and Lahore. In 2020, Multan won all three matches played in front of their home crowd. The 2021 edition will see Multan making a fresh start under a new captain, current star of Pakistan cricket, wicketkeeper/batsman Mohammed Rizwan. The wicketkeeper replaces Test opener Shan Masood as the leader of the franchise.

Rizwan’s rise in the past year has resulted in him getting a bigger role in the franchise. Last year, Rizwan was benched for all but two matches by Karachi Kings. He has now silenced his critics scoring 197 runs in three T20I matches against South Africa at an average of 98.50, which includes a century and a half-century.

But does Rizwan have a squad which can actually win the title? Let us take a closer look at their line-up. Vince, on the other hand, is currently in top form as evidenced from his smashing 95 in the Sydney Sixers’ successful title defence at this year’s Big Bash League (BBL) final. He had earlier hit 98 not out against Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier.

Multan Sultans are hoping that Vince carries his form from Australia to Pakistan.