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MULTAN: Ubaid Shah’s three-wicket haul and Yasir Khan’s explosive 87 powered Multan Sultans to a 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars in the 12th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a daunting total of 229, Lahore Qalandars crumbled under pressure and could only manage 195 for the loss of nine wickets in their 20 overs.
Lahore Qalandars started strong in pursuit of the target, posting 38 in 3.2 overs, before Mohammad Naeem’s wicket.
Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a brisk 32 off 14 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes. However, he was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the fourth over, halting Qalandars’ momentum.
Following his dismissal, Abdullah Shafique partnered with Daryl Mitchell and formed a brisk 36-run stand, taking the Qalandars’ score to 85 in 8.4 overs. Just as the Qalandars appeared to recover, Multan Sultans struck back, removing both batters in quick succession to leave the visitors struggling at 87-4.
The required run-rate soared as Qalandars slipped to 111-5 in 11.2 overs. Meanwhile, Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza provided them with a glimmer of hope with a valiant 38-run partnership.
Sam Billings was removed for a well-made 43 off 23 balls, an innings featuring four sixes and two fours. However, his dismissal derailed the chase once more. Sikandar Raza continued to fight with a valiant 50 off 27 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes, but the target proved too steep in the end.
For Multan Sultans, Ubaid Shah starred with a three-wicket haul while Usama Mir and Michael Bracewell each picked up two wickets in economical spells.
Earlier, Yasir Khan’s blistering knock powered Multan Sultans to an imposing total against Lahore Qalandars.
Opting to bat first, Multan Sultans posted 228 for the loss of five wickets in their allocated 20 overs.
Multan Sultans capitalized on the decision early with a strong opening partnership. Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan’s blazing partnership ended on the score of 89 in 7.1 overs.
Rizwan was castled by Asif Afridi after scoring 32 off 17 deliveries, an innings laced with one six and four fours. Meanwhile, Yasir Khan— playing his first match in this PSL- reached his half-century.
Mohammad Rizwan’s wicket, however, did not stem the flow of runs as Yasir Khan and Usman continued the surge with another quick-fire 70-run partnership, before Usman’s dismissal after a well-made 39 of 24 balls with the help of five fours and one six.
Lahore Qalandars sensed a comeback by taking wickets of Yasir Khan and Ashton Turner. Yasir was caught after an eye-catching knock of 87 in 44 balls. His blazing knock was laced with six fours and half a dozen sixes.
Despite losing wickets, Multan Sultans posted an impressive total, thanks to a rapid cameo from Iftikhar Ahmed, who hit three sixes and three fours for a score of 40 off 18 balls.
For Lahore Qalandars, Rishad Hossain was the pick of the bowlers, taking two for 45 in his four overs. Sikandar Raza and Asif Afridi each took one wicket, showcasing their skills on a batting-friendly wicket.
PLAYING XIs
Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi (c), Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, Asif Afridi.
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ashton Turner, David Willey, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah, Joshua Little.
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