All-round Quetta Gladiators thrashed Multan Sultans by ten wickets on Tuesday, a defeat that also eliminated the Sultans from playoff contention in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL).
While chasing the modest target, captain Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen made it look effortless, unleashing a ruthless onslaught on the Sultans’ bowling attack.
The duo cruised to victory with an unbeaten 90-run partnership in just under seven overs, without losing a single wicket.
Saud led from the front with a commanding 42 not out off 20 balls, smashing 3 fours and 4 sixes, while Allen matched the aggression with 45 not out off 21 deliveries, laced with 5 sixes and 2 fours.
Earlier, A fiery spell from Khurram Shahzad led a dominant Quetta Gladiators bowling performance that skittled Multan Sultans for their lowest-ever total in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, bowling them out for just 89 runs in 17 overs during Tuesday night’s clash in Lahore.
Electing to field after winning the toss, Gladiators' bowlers executed their plans with ruthless precision. Multan were never allowed to settle, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to recover from the early damage.
Pacer Khurram Shahzad starred with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 23 runs, slicing through the top order and sending Yasir Khan (5), Usman Khan (0), Kamran Ghulam (3), and Curtis Campher (4) back to the pavilion. Faheem Ashraf also played a crucial role, bagging 2 for 21, removing Iftikhar Ahmed and Michael Bracewell in the middle overs.
Only skipper Mohammad Rizwan offered resistance with a gritty 44 not out off 44 balls, holding one end but watching partners fall regularly. No other batter could cross double figures, except for Usama Mir who hit a brisk 11 off 6 before being run out.
The collapse was sealed by Mohammad Wasim, who removed David Willey and Ubaid Shah to finish with 2 for 18, while two run outs added to Multan’s misery.
The total of 89 is now the lowest in Multan Sultans' PSL history, marking a stunning low point in their campaign.
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Curtis Campher, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, David Willey, Usama Mir, Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah.
Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (Captain), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Kusal Mendis (wk), Mark Chapman, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.
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