MULTAN, Pakistan: Multan Sultans secured their maiden victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 with a commanding 33-run win over Lahore Qalandars in the 12th match of the tournament at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first, Multan Sultans posted a daunting total of 228 for 5, thanks to Yasir Khan’s explosive 87 and a late cameo from Iftikhar Ahmed.
In reply, Lahore Qalandars could only muster 195 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, despite a valiant unbeaten 50 from Sikandar Raza.
The Multan Sultans’ innings began with a fiery opening stand between Yasir Khan and skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who added 89 runs in just seven overs.
Rizwan struck 32 off 17 balls before being bowled by Asif Afridi. Yasir continued the onslaught, hammering six fours and six sixes in his 44-ball 87.
Usman Khan joined Yasir to add 70 runs for the second wicket, scoring 39 off 24 deliveries before both batters fell in quick succession.
Little did he know he’d have his debut wicket tonight.
Josh Little says hello 👋#HBLPSLX l #ApnaXHai l #MSvLQ pic.twitter.com/ut6NnXyJ4A— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 22, 2025
Iftikhar Ahmed then provided the finishing touches with a blistering 40 off 18 balls, pushing the total well past 220.
In defence of the mammoth target, Multan Sultans’ bowlers struck early to derail the Lahore Qalandars’ chase.
Ubaid Shah starred with the ball, taking 3 for 37 in four overs.
Michael Bracewell and Usama Mir claimed two wickets each, while David Willey and Josh Little took one apiece.
The Qalandars’ chase began with promise as openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman shared a brisk 38-run stand.
However, both were dismissed in successive overs, triggering a collapse. Fakhar top-scored among the top order with 32 off 14 balls.
Sam Billings kept Lahore in the hunt with a counterattacking 43 off 23 deliveries, but his dismissal in the 15th over to Ubaid Shah turned the tide firmly in Multan Sultans’ favour.
10/10 Intent 👐
Majestic shot by Sikandar Raza. #HBLPSLX l #ApnaXHai l #MSvLQ pic.twitter.com/wxUOD08tnu— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 22, 2025
Sikandar Raza fought until the end, hitting five fours and three sixes in his 27-ball fifty, but found little support from the other end.
Rishad Hossain was the pick of the bowlers for the Lahore Qalandars, taking 2 for 45.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sikandar Raza, and Asif Afridi chipped in with a wicket each, but the bowlers were unable to contain Multan Sultans’ aggressive batting.
Multan Sultans Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ashton Turner, David Willey, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah and Joshua Little.
Lahore Qalandars Playing XI
Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings(w), Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi(c), Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan and Asif Afridi.
