The Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicked off to a thrilling start with Lahore Qalandars beating Multan Sultans by just one run at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Zaman Khan was the hero of the match, defending 14 runs in the last over to secure the victory for his team.
Exciting Openers Lead Multan Sultans
Multan Sultans’ openers, Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood, put on a commanding performance, scoring a 100-run partnership for the first wicket. The two batsmen didn’t let the Qalandars’ bowlers get the better of them and stayed at the crease for a long time. Eventually, the Qalandars’ Hussain Talat sent Masood back to the pavilion after scoring 35 runs in 31 balls. The Qalanders’ skipper, Shaheen Shah Afridi, then bowled Rizwan after he scored 75 runs in 50 balls, reducing the home side to 131-2.
Qalandars Fight Back
The Qalandars’ skipper, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and his bowling partner, Haris Rauf, brought their side back into the game. Rauf bowled a sensational fourth over, cleaning up South Africa’s David Miller with a fiery yorker after he scored 25 runs.
Last-Over Drama
Needing 15 runs in the last over, Shaheen gave the ball to Zaman Khan. The young pacer started the over with a brilliant yorker and gave away just one run. In the next ball, hard-hitter Kieron Pollard was sent packing, trying to run for two but couldn’t reach the crease in time.
The third ball hit Usman Khan’s thight pad, resulting in an lbw, and the batter had to leave the field. After bowling a wide, Zaman bowled another sensational delivery, which resulted in a run-out as Usama Mir had to depart for a duck.
Fakhar Zaman Shines for Lahore Qalandars
Earlier in the match, Fakhar Zaman shone as Lahore Qalandars posted a competitive target of 176 runs. The defending champions managed to score 176 runs in 20 overs, thanks to Fakhar’s 66 runs off 42 balls, which also saw him complete his 2000 runs in the PSL.
Young opening batter Mirza Tahir Baig scored 36 runs off 26 balls, building a strong foundation for the Qalandars with a 61-run partnership for the first wicket. Wicket-keeper batter Shai Hope also gathered 19 runs in 17 balls, while all-rounder Sikandar Raza (19) and Hussain Talat (20) put on a 39-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
For Multan Sultans, Usama and Ihsanullah claimed two wickets each, while Akeal secured a single wicket.
