In a thrilling high-scoring encounter under the Multan lights, Multan Sultans finally got their first win of PSL X, outclassing Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs in front of a raucous home crowd on Tuesday night.
The foundation of the win was laid by Yasir Khan, who announced his arrival this season with a blazing 87 off just 44 deliveries, as Multan posted a mammoth 228-5 – the highest-ever PSL total at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Yasir Lights Up Multan
Opening the innings, Yasir teamed up with skipper Mohammad Rizwan for a rapid 89-run stand in just 45 balls, dismantling the Qalandars’ pace attack with clean hitting. While Rizwan struck a breezy 32 off 17, Yasir went into overdrive, clearing the fence six times and hammering six boundaries in his match-defining knock.
He was ably supported by Usman Khan (39 off 24) in a 70-run second-wicket partnership, before Iftikhar Ahmed applied the finishing touches with a 40 off 18 balls*, including three sixes and three fours.
Qalandars Falter in Chase Despite Raza Resistance
Chasing a daunting 229, Qalandars never truly found rhythm. After Mohammad Naeem fell early, Fakhar Zaman raised hopes with a ferocious 32 off 14 balls but holed out at deep midwicket off Ubaid Shah, leaving the visitors at 49-2.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Michael Bracewell and Ubaid maintaining the pressure. Leg-spinner Usama Mir added to Qalandars’ misery by removing Rishad Hossain, reducing the visitors to 111-6 with just 52 balls remaining.
A brisk 38-run partnership between Sam Billings (43 off 23) and Sikandar Raza offered a flicker of resistance, but Ubaid struck again to remove the dangerous Billings. Raza remained unbeaten on 50 off 27 balls, but lacked support from the lower order as Qalandars finished on 195-9.
Balanced Bowling Effort Seals It for Sultans
Ubaid Shah was the standout bowler for Sultans with figures of 3-37, while Bracewell (2-20) and Usama Mir (2-26) spun a web around Qalandars’ middle order.
The win marks a much-needed breakthrough for Multan after a shaky start to the tournament and sets up an exciting clash with Islamabad United on Wednesday night.
Result: Multan Sultans beat Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs
Player of the Match: Yasir Khan (Multan Sultans)
Next Fixture: Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United – Wednesday, 8pm, Multan Cricket Stadium
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