The Multan Sultans concluded their home leg of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 on a triumphant note, defeating the Quetta Gladiators by a comfortable margin of 13 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Rizwan and Hendricks Power Multan’s Batting Display
Electing to field first, Quetta witnessed a promising start from Usman Khan, who smashed three boundaries in the opening over. However, Abrar Ahmed dismissed him soon after, putting the brakes on their momentum.
Multan’s skipper, Mohammad Rizwan, and Reeza Hendricks then steadied the innings with a crucial 79-run partnership. Rizwan notched up his 18th PSL half-century before departing in the 14th over.
Tayyab Tahir Joins the Party, Hendricks Claims Top Scorer Spot
Tayyab Tahir, making his PSL debut, partnered brilliantly with Hendricks, adding a quickfire 77 runs to propel Multan towards a strong total. Hendricks, in scintillating form, surpassed Lahore Qalandars’ Sahibzada Farhan to become the tournament’s leading run-scorer with a well-compiled 72, laced with seven boundaries and four sixes.
Multan Post Commanding Total
Multan capitalized on the final overs, scoring 68 runs, with the 18th and 19th overs yielding 17 runs each. They finished their innings at a commanding 180-4, with Tayyab contributing an unbeaten 35. Mohammad Amir picked up two wickets for Quetta, while Abrar and Akeal Hosein claimed one each.
Quetta’s Chase Falters Despite Early Fightback
Chasing a challenging target, Quetta lost their openers, Jason Roy and Saud Shakeel, within the powerplay. However, Khawaja Nafay and Rilee Rossouw provided hope with a 62-run stand for the third wicket.
Debutant Aftab Ibrahim Shines, Multan Clinch Victory
Debutant Aftab Ibrahim provided the breakthrough for Quetta, dismissing Rossouw in the 12th over. Sajjad Ali, replacing the injured Sarfaraz Ahmed, failed to make an impact, while Nafay fell soon after, handing Mohammad Ali his second wicket.
Sherfane Rutherford and Mohammad Wasim Jr. offered brief resistance before departing in quick succession. David Willey and Mohammad Ali picked up crucial wickets, restricting Quetta further.
Multan Seal the Win
In the penultimate over, Ali rattled Amir’s stumps, putting Quetta on the brink. Aftab then wrapped up the innings by dismissing Abrar on the final ball, securing a 13-run victory for Multan. Willey and Ali finished with three wickets apiece, while Aftab bagged a commendable two scalps.
This convincing win will undoubtedly boost Multan’s confidence as they head into the remainder of the tournament.
Scores in brief:
Multan Sultans 180-4, 20 overs (Reeza Hendricks 72, Mohammad Rizwan 51; Mohammad Amir 2-46)
Quetta Gladiators 167-9, 20 overs (Khawaja Nafay 36, Rilee Rossouw 30; Mohammad Ali 3-19, David Willey 3-37, Aftab Ibrahim 2-26)
Result: Multan Sultans beat Quetta Gladiators by 13 runs
Player of the match – Mohammad Ali (Multan Sultans)
Tomorrow’s fixtures: Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (7 pm)
