HBL PSL X: Hasan Nawaz steers Gladiators to last-ball win over Sultans

Multan posted 185/7, but Hasan Nawaz’s unbeaten 67 led Quetta Gladiators to a thrilling last-ball victory.

Hasan Nawaz played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 67 runs off just 38 balls to script yet another memorable win for Quetta Gladiators, who edged out Multan Sultans by two wickets in a last-over thriller. With this win, Quetta consolidated their position at the top of the points table in the ongoing tournament.

Quetta Gladiators got off to a flying start, with Khawaja Nafay hammering 51 off just 26 balls, including 5 fours and 4 towering sixes. His aggressive batting gave Quetta early momentum before he was dismissed in the 8th over.

However, the momentum shifted swiftly as wickets tumbled in quick succession during the middle overs, with Shahid Aziz emerging as the standout bowler for Multan. He delivered a crucial spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 29 runs, including the key dismissals of Khawaja Nafay, Avishka Fernando, and Faheem Ashraf.

At 123 for 5 in 14 overs, Multan Sultans looked in a commanding position, but Hasan Nawaz had other ideas who took the game away from the Sultans almost single-handedly.

Hasan and Faheem took the score to 159, but once the all-rounder was dismissed, Nawaz took full responsibility upon himself. Even as partners kept falling at the other end, he remained composed and took the game deep.

The equation came down to Quetta needing 2 runs off the final ball, and Nawaz coolly guided his side home with a composed stroke, sparking jubilant scenes in the Quetta camp.

He finished with a brilliant 67 off 38 balls, smashing two fours and six sixes, as the Gladiators secured a famous win off the final ball.

Earlier, Multan Sultans posted a 186-run target against Quetta Gladiators in their final league-stage match..

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Multan got off to a quick start as Yasir Khan struck multiple boundaries in the opening over. However, captain Muhammad Rizwan was dismissed early by Faheem Ashraf, leaving the side at 12/1 in the second over.

Yasir Khan, in partnership with Jahanzeib Sultan, steadied the innings with a 52-run stand before Jahanzeib was dismissed for 25. Yasir continued aggressively but was removed for 45 off 25 balls by Usman Tariq, who emerged as the most effective bowler with figures of 3/32.

Tayyab Tahir contributed 36 off 24, while Aamer Azmat played a vital late cameo, remaining unbeaten on 21 off 16 balls. Shahid Aziz also added a quick 29 off 14 deliveries in the closing stages.

Other wicket-takers for Quetta included Khurram Shahzad, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Wasim Jr., each picking one wicket.

Multan Sultans Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), Jahanzeib Sultan, Tayyab Tahir, Humayon Altaf, Yasir Khan, Aamer Azmat, Shahid Aziz, Peter Hatzoglou, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah.

Quetta Gladiators Playing XI: Saud Shakeel (captain), Avishka Fernando, Hasan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wicketkeeper), Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Usman Tariq.