News by “Sana Ullah”
KARACHI: Multan Sultans delivered a commanding performance to overwhelm Quetta Gladiators by a staggering 79-run margin in the 30th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 at National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
The comprehensive win propelled Sultans back to the top spot in the PSL 9 standings with 14 points, setting up a Qualifiers showdown with Peshawar Zalmi, who secured the second spot with one point less.
Facing a target of 186 on a challenging pitch, the Gladiators’ batting lineup faltered, managing only 106 runs and suffered a heavy defeat ahead of their Eliminator encounter against Islamabad United.
The Gladiators’ opening pair of Jason Roy (3) and Saud Shakeel struggled, with Roy falling to David Willey in the third over and Shakeel getting run out in the same over after scoring 14 off nine balls.
Subsequently, Rilee Rossouw (10) and Laurie Evans (1) departed quickly, leaving the Gladiators at 47/4 in 6.1 overs.
Youngster Omair Bin Yousuf showed resistance with a brave innings of 37 off 25 balls, but his efforts were in vain as the Sultans’ bowlers dismantled the Gladiators’ lower order to seal a convincing victory.
David Willey and Usama Mir starred with the ball for the Sultans, claiming three wickets each, while Abbas Afridi picked up two.
Opting to bat first, the Sultans posted a formidable total, thanks to contributions from their batsmen.
Although they lost opener Yasir Khan early, Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan steadied the innings with a solid partnership.
Rizwan top-scored with 69 off 47 balls, while Johnson Charles (53) and Iftikhar Ahmed (20*) made valuable contributions to propel the Sultans to a commanding total.
Mohammad Amir was the pick of the bowlers for the Gladiators, taking two wickets, while Abrar Ahmed, Akeal Hosein, and Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with one each.
