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LAHORE: Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan remains optimistic about his team’s chances of making the playoffs despite suffering a heavy defeat to Quetta Gladiators, stressing that playing ‘good cricket’ in the remaining matches will be key to their qualification hopes.
Multan Sultans had a poor outing with the bat as they were bundled out for a meagre 89-run total in the 18th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, held at Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to a dominant bowling display from Quetta Gladiators led by Khurram Shahzad.
The right-arm pacer demolished Multan Sultans’ top-order with a fiery spell, taking four for 23 in his four overs.
In reply, Quetta Gladiators successfully chased down the modest target of 90 runs without losing any wickets in just 6.5 overs.
Quetta Gladiators openers provided a flying start, with Finn Allen smashing 17 runs in the third over with the help of two sixes and a four. By the end of the powerplay, Gladiators had reached 74 runs without losing a wicket.
Multan Sultans’ bowlers were kept at bay as Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen shared an unbeaten stand of 90 runs, showcasing pure dominance.
Allen scored a blistering 45* off 21 deliveries, laced with five sixes and two fours, while Saud’s brisk 42* off 20 balls featured four sixes and three fours.
While speaking during the post-match presentation, Mohammad Rizwan highlighted the shortcomings, mentioning the pitch nature while rueing poor shot selection.
“I don’t think the pitch was that bad — it was challenging, but definitely a 150-160 kind of surface. Unfortunately, we were guilty of some poor shot selection. Credit to their bowlers for sticking to the right lengths and executing well,” he said.
Despite six losses in seven games, Mohammad Rizwan remained optimistic that Multan Sultans would qualify for the playoffs while admitting that he does not like to rely on other results.
“I still believe that if we play good cricket, we can give ourselves the best chance. We’re not out of it yet, but personally, I don’t like having to rely on other teams to help us qualify,” he said.
The 10-wicket drubbing by Quetta Gladiators has put Multan Sultans on the brink of elimination, with their chances now hanging on the results of other teams, even if they win their remaining games.
READ: PSL 10: Quetta Gladiators rout Multan Sultans in one-sided clash
