- SportsTak

Multan Sultans had won nine matches and lost only one game in the ongoing edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and that solitary defeat came against Lahore Qalandars. So it was expected to be a thrilling affair when these two teams met against each other in the Qualifiers. And eventually, the defending champions emerged as victorious after defeating Qalandars by 28 runs to qualify for the final.

Solid batting

Batting first, Multan Sultans registered a formidable total of 163 runs losing two wickets in 20 overs. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan started the innings on a positive note and notched a half century. Eventually, Rizwan remained not out scoring 53 runs off 51 balls.

Later, South Africa all-rounder Rilee Rossouw later played a blistering innings of 65 runs (not out) off 42 deliveries. Rossouw’s innings was comprised of 7 boundaries and one six as he notched a quick-fire fifty off just 34 balls.

Another Sultans batter Aamer Azmat contributed with crucial 33 runs off 22 balls. Azmat smashed 5 boundaries to score some quick runs.

For Lahore Qalandars, their bowlers- Mohammad Hafeez and Samit Patel picked up one wicket each.

Batting collapse

In reply, Lahore Qalandars had a poor start as they lost three wickets scoring just 48 runs. Their opening batsman Fakhar Zaman tried to stay calm and avert the early dangerous. Zaman eventually scored 63 runs off 45 balls but his valiant innings ultimately proved to be meaningless.

A poor batting order collapse saw, Qalandars lose six wickets scoring just 26 runs. Eventually, Lahore Qalandars could manage to reach a total of 135 runs losing 9 wickets in 20 overs.

For Multan Sultans, their right-arm pace bowler Shahnawaz Dahani scalped three crucial wickets conceding just 19 runs in four overs. David Willey on other hand, picked up two wickets as Asif Afridi, Rumman Raees and Khushdil Shah bagged a wicket each.

And his terrific bowling skills helped him in earning the Man of the Match award as well.

In the other Qualifier, Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi will face each other on February 24 (Thursday), in Lahore.

The final match is scheduled to be played on February 27, in Lahore.