LAHORE: The 13th match of PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore saw Multan Sultans deliver a commanding performance, defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets to move to the top of the points table ahead of Karachi.
Chasing 167, Multan’s batting unit fired collectively, with Steven Smith and Shan Masood anchoring the chase after a blistering start from Sahibzada Farhan to reach the target for the loss of four wickets in 17.3 overs.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Quetta Gladiators posted 166/7 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Saud Shakeel, who compiled a fluent 56 off 41 balls, striking six boundaries and a six to register his eighth T20 fifty. He combined with Hasan Nawaz (20 off 22) for a 55-run third wicket stand that steadied the innings after early setbacks.
Quetta’s innings began poorly, losing Khawaja Nafay (12) and Shamyl Hussain (2) within the first two overs. Rilee Rossouw (1) fell cheaply, leaving the side at 72/4. Shakeel’s dismissal in the 16th over halted momentum, but Bevon Jacobs provided a late surge with an unbeaten 49 off 31 balls, including four fours and three sixes. Ahmed Daniyal (22 off 9) added quick runs before retiring hurt, ensuring Quetta crossed the 160 mark.
For Multan, Mohammad Nawaz (3/30) was the main wrecker bowler, striking crucial blows in the middle overs. Arafat Minhas (2/14) bowled with discipline, while Ashton Turner (1/16) provided control. However, expensive spells from Peter Siddle (40 in 3 overs) and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (24 in 2 overs) allowed Quetta’s lower order to capitalise.
Chasing 167, Multan Sultans began aggressively, racing to 83 runs in the powerplay. Sahibzada Farhan was the chief aggressor, smashing 32 off just 14 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. His fearless strokeplay dismantled Quetta’s new-ball attack, setting the tone for the chase.
Alongside him, Steven Smith played the anchor role, mixing classical strokes with calculated aggression. He reached his 31st T20 fifty in just 29 balls, eventually scoring 53 off 35 deliveries with seven fours and a six. The pair added 71 runs for the opening wicket before Farhan fell in the sixth over.
After Josh Philippe (18 off 15) departed at 96/2, Smith and Shan Masood consolidated the chase. Masood played with authority, striking 46 not out off 28 balls, including two fours and two sixes. His calm presence ensured Multan never lost control of the chase, even after Smith’s dismissal via a relay catch in the 14th over.
Though Arafat Minhas (6) fell cheaply, Masood and Ashton Turner (4 not out) guided Multan home comfortably in 17.3 overs, finishing at 167/4.
Quetta’s bowlers struggled to contain Multan’s batting firepower. Hasan Nawaz (2/17 in 2 overs) was the only bowler to make a significant impact, while Alzarri Joseph (1/29) picked up a wicket but leaked runs. Abrar Ahmed (0/46 in 4 overs) and Tom Curran (0/24 in 2 overs) were expensive, failing to apply pressure.
Multan Sultans showcased their batting depth and composure, chasing down Quetta’s total with ease to climb to the top of the PSL 11 points table. Steven Smith’s fluent fifty and Shan Masood’s unbeaten knock highlighted their dominance, while Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive start set the tone.
For Quetta, Saud Shakeel and Bevon Jacobs provided resistance, but their bowling lacked penetration against Multan’s powerful lineup. With this win, Multan have firmly established themselves as title contenders, while Quetta must regroup quickly to revive their campaign.
