An all-round performance by Multan Sultans saw them to a 117-run victory against Quetta Gladiators in the 25th match of the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Sultans had won the toss and decided to put Quetta Gladiators to field first and managed to score the second-highest total of PSL — 245 for the loss of three wickets.
In response, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Gladiators managed to score a mere 128 and were all out in 15.5 overs as the Sultans' bowling attack was exceptional.
While chasing, Quetta didn't get a good start as opener Will Smeed was sent back with score of 10 runs on the board by David Willey.
Ahsan Ali also failed to play a big knock as he was dismissed for one run by Asif Afridi with Quetta's score of just 28 runs.
Though Jason Roy tried to score quick runs as he smashed seven boundaries and one six in a 38-run knock-off of 19 balls, he was dismissed by Willey with his team's score of 58 runs.
Umar Akmal also played well as he scored 50 runs off just 23 balls with six sixes, but it wasn't enough as other batters including Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Sohail Tanvir all failed miserably.
Quetta was bowled out for 117 runs in 15.5 overs with Khushdil taking the last wicket.
While, in terms of bowling, all the bowlers for Multan contributed well, Willey took two wickets for 22 runs and was good with the new ball, Imran Tahir took one for 16 in three overs and Khushdil took two for 17 in 2.5 overs.
Dahani took two for 22 in three overs and Asif also took two for 42 runs in four overs, as Multan displayed a thoroughly dominating performance in all the departments.
Sultans innings
Openers Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood laid a strong foundation for their team. The Sultans' first wicket fell when Shan Masood was given an lbw after a DRS review.
The left-handed opener scored 57 runs while his partner Rizwan remained not out and scored an unbeaten 54-ball 83 to set a big target.
After Shan's dismissal, Rilee Rossouw took charge and scored a blistering 26-ball 71 to steer the Sultans to a 246-run target.
Quetta Gladiators remained under-pressure as their batting line-up faced a good pace bowling attack led by Shahnawaz Dahani, David Willey, and Rumman Raees.
Playing XI:
Quetta Gladiators: Jason Roy, Ahsan Ali, Will Smeed, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Iftikhar Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Noor Ahmad, Sohail Tanvir, Naseem Shah, Ghulam Mudassar, Mohammad Irfan.
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c, wk), Shan Masood, Rilee Rossouw Tim David, Khushdil Shah, Aamer Azmat, Asif Afridi, Rumman Raees, Imran Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, David Willey
