LAHORE:The 11th match of PSL 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, delivered fireworks despite being reduced to 13 overs per side due to rain. In a contest dominated by aggressive batting and high pressure bowling, Lahore Qalandars overcame Multan Sultans by 20 runs, climbing to second place on the points table with four points. The Sultans, meanwhile, slipped to third after failing to chase down a stiff target of 186.
Lahore openers, Mohammad Naeem and Parvez Hossain Emon power-packed blitz propelled Qalandars to explosive 185 for 5 in rain-hit encounter. While Multan Sultans that fell short by 20 runs could hammer 165 runs for the loss of five wickets.
Put in to bat after Multan Sultans won the toss, Lahore Qalandars unleashed a batting onslaught from the very first ball. The shortened format demanded urgency, and the Qalandars’ top order responded with fearless strokeplay.
Naeem was the standout performer, smashing 60 off 28 balls with four boundaries and four towering sixes. His innings was a blend of timing and brute force, and he reached his half century in just 24 deliveries. Partnering him at the top, Parvez Hossain Emon played a blistering knock of 45 off 19 balls, peppered with five sixes. The pair added 86 runs in just over five overs, giving Lahore a dream start.
The momentum was carried forward by Abdullah Shafique, who struck a rapid 33 off 14 balls with three fours and two sixes. His partnership with Naeem added another 58 runs, ensuring the Qalandars stayed well ahead of the run rate.
The middle order chipped in with smaller contributions—Rubin Hermann (3 off 6), Asif Ali (8 off 5), and Sikandar Raza (13 not out off 8)—while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi finished unbeaten without scoring. Despite losing wickets in the latter stages, Lahore closed their innings at 185/5 in 13 overs, a daunting total in the rain curtailed contest.
Sikandar Raza was given a life when Multan Sultans opted for a review against him. Umpire CB Gaffaney’s decision was upheld, and the Zimbabwean all-rounder made the most of his reprieve, adding valuable runs in the death overs.
The Multan Sultans bowlers endured a night to forget, with only Peter Siddle managing to maintain an economy rate below double figures. The veteran Australian seamer finished with 1 for 26 from his three overs, but his colleagues were taken apart rather butchered.
Muhammad Ismail claimed two wickets but conceded 47 runs from his three overs at an economy of 15.66. Faisal Akram was similarly expensive, leaking 31 runs in two overs while taking a solitary wicket. Mohammad Nawaz and Arafat Minhas bowled just one over each but were dispatched for 19 and 22 runs respectively—economy rates that tell the story of the onslaught.
Lahore Qalandars also benefited from 17 extras during their innings, a significant contribution that pushed the total beyond 180. While some of these were wides and no-balls that reflected the bowlers’ struggles, the sheer volume of extras added to the Sultans’ woes.
Chasing 186 in 13 overs was always going to be a monumental task, and Multan Sultans faltered early. Steven Smith (9 off 10) and Josh Philippe (1 off 2) fell cheaply, leaving the side struggling at 18/2. Sahibzada Farhan tried to stabilize with 24 off 15 balls, but his dismissal at 50/3 further dented the chase.
The innings was revived by Shan Masood, who played a fluent knock of 44 off 17 balls, striking seven fours and a six. His aggressive intent kept the scoreboard ticking, and he combined with Ashton Turner for a crucial 50 run stand in 23 balls.
Turner, however, was the star of the chase. The Australian all rounder smashed an unbeaten 52 off 22 balls, laced with two fours and five sixes. He reached his 18th T20 half century in just 22 deliveries, showcasing his ability to dominate under pressure. Alongside him, Arafat Minhas contributed a quickfire 25 off 11 balls, adding 57 runs for the fifth wicket.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Sultans fell short, finishing at 165/5 in 13 overs, 20 runs adrift of the target.
Defending a high total in a shortened game required discipline, and the Qalandars’ bowlers delivered under pressure. Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the attack, claiming 2/37 in 3 overs, including the key wicket of Shan Masood. Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front with 1/32 in 3 overs, striking early to remove Steven Smith. Ubaid Shah chipped in with 1/34 in 3 overs, while Sikandar Raza contributed with 1/34 in 2 overs.
Haris Rauf, however, bowled with pace and aggression, but conceded 26 runs in his 2 overs thus keeping the pressure on with sharp bouncers.
Though expensive at times, the Qalandars’ attack managed to break partnerships at crucial junctures, preventing Multan from sustaining momentum.
With this victory, Lahore Qalandars jumped to second place on the PSL 11 points table, securing four points from their campaign. The win was crucial in consolidating their position after recent off field controversies. Multan Sultans, despite their strong batting lineup, slipped to third place with four points as well, reflecting their struggle to defend or chase down big totals in pressure situations.
The rain shortened clash at Gaddafi Stadium was a spectacle of aggressive batting and tense bowling exchanges. Lahore Qalandars, powered by Naeem’s explosive knock and disciplined bowling, showcased their ability to adapt to challenging conditions. Multan Sultans, despite Turner’s brilliance and Masood’s fluency, were undone by early wickets and the inability to sustain partnerships long enough to overhaul the target.
