By our correspondent
LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators delivered a commanding performance in the 18th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), defeating Multan Sultans by 10 wickets on Tuesday, effectively eliminating them from playoff contention. The Gladiators’ all-round dominance was evident as they chased down a modest target of 90 in just under seven overs, with no wickets lost.
Captain Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen made light work of the chase, putting on an unbeaten 90-run partnership that saw both players showcasing their aggressive batting. Saud led the charge with a blistering 42 not out off 20 balls, which included 3 fours and 4 sixes. Allen was equally aggressive, finishing on 45 not out off 21 balls, with 5 sixes and 2 fours. Their partnership ensured the Gladiators reached the target with ease, highlighting the team’s impressive depth and firepower.
Earlier, Quetta Gladiators’ bowlers dominated the game, with pacer Khurram Shahzad delivering a fiery spell that destroyed Multan Sultans’ batting lineup. The Sultans were bowled out for a meagre 89 runs in just 17 overs, the lowest total in their PSL history. Electing to field after winning the toss, Gladiators’ bowlers executed their plans with precision, dismantling the Sultans’ top order and leaving them unable to recover.
Shahzad was the star with the ball, picking up 4 wickets for 23 runs, including the key dismissals of Yasir Khan (5), Usman Khan (0), Kamran Ghulam (3), and Curtis Campher (4). Faheem Ashraf played an important supporting role, taking 2 wickets for 21 runs, removing Iftikhar Ahmed and Michael Bracewell in the middle overs.
The only resistance came from Multan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who fought valiantly to score 44 not out off 44 balls, but he had little support. Usama Mir contributed a quick-fire 11 off 6 balls before being run out, and no other batter could reach double figures. The collapse was completed by Mohammad Wasim, who claimed 2 wickets for 18 runs, while two run outs added to the Sultans’ misery.
The total of 89 marked a new low for the Sultans, confirming their elimination from the playoffs and underscoring the Gladiators’ superiority in this one-sided contest. This dominant victory propelled Quetta Gladiators to second place on the points table, with the Sultans now left to reflect on a disappointing campaign.
