KARACHI: Khushdil Shah, Imran Tahir and David Willey bagged three wickets each to help Multan Sultans defend 175 runs against Quetta Gladiators to end Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7’s chasing streak. 

Set to chase 175 runs, Gladiators suffered a brief collapse after losing their in-form opener Will Smeed following a brilliant caught and bowled by Khushdil. Smeed had to walk off after scoring just three runs.

Ahsan Ali resisted with his 24-runs knock but this time things looked different for the 2019 PSL champions. Ben Duckett scored 47 runs off 32 balls including six boundaries and a six.

The roller coaster ride for Gladiators was then supported by Iftikhar Ahmed who smashed well-fought 30 off 13 including three maximums.

Sohail Tanvir also struck a six and a boundary to get Gladiators over the victory line. But, Willey took things away from them by defending eight runs off last over with Tim David taking a stunner at boundary to send back the last wicket of Naseem Shah to the pavilion.

Sent into bat first, Shan Masood smoked unbeaten 88 runs in Sultans’ 174-4 against Gladiators.

After losing his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan for duck, Masood kept his nerves calm and displayed complete exposure to score runs. Sultans’ skipper Rizwan got out for a duck after 26 T20 innings.

Masood partnered briefly with Sohaib Maqsood, Rilee Rossouw and Tim David to contribute worthy runs of Sultans. After Rizwan’s departure, Masood and Maqsood joined hands to score 50 runs together with left-hander’s major contribution.

Maqsood scored 21 runs followed by Rossouw scoring as many runs. Maqsood struck two boundaries and a six whereas Rossouw smashed just two boundaries.

Tim David remained not out for 28 off 16 balls including a boundary and two sixes. Masood’s inning included six boundaries and four sixes. Khushdil struck eight runs including a towering six.

Mohammad Hasnain bagged two wickets for Gladiators while James Faulkner managed to take one.