LAHORE, Pakistan: Quetta Gladiators delivered a dominant all-round performance to seal a resounding 10-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in a crucial Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 encounter under the lights at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Quetta captain Saud Shakeel’s decision paid immediate dividends as his pace attack dismantled the Sultans, bowling them out for a paltry 89 in just 17 overs.
Khurram Shahzad led the charge with the ball, producing a sensational spell to claim 4 wickets and dismantle the opposition’s top order. His fiery bowling left Multan reeling and set the tone for an emphatic Gladiators victory.
Chasing a modest target of 90, openers Finn Allen and Saud Shakeel made light work of the run chase, guiding their side home without losing a wicket.
The pair remained unbeaten, with Allen scoring a fluent 45 and Saud contributing 42, as they finished the job in just 9.2 overs.
Dominant victory
Allen brought the innings to a close in style, smashing two successive sixes to seal the win.
Earlier in the chase, he had taken the attack to David Willey in the third over, striking two powerful sixes — one down the ground and another over midwicket — along with a classy lofted boundary that showcased his intent and timing.
Saud Shakeel, meanwhile, shifted gears effortlessly. He targeted Ubaid Shah with authority, launching a pair of sixes — a pulled shot over deep square leg and an audacious flick over fine leg. He also enjoyed a stroke of luck when a thick edge flew over the slips for four.
Though Mohammad Hasnain troubled Saud briefly with pace and bounce in one hostile over, the Quetta skipper weathered the short-ball barrage to regain control of the innings.
The Gladiators began steadily, picking up 5 runs in the opening over. Saud got off the mark on the first ball, and Allen followed with a crisp straight drive for four.
Despite David Willey finding some early movement and beating the bat on a couple of occasions, Allen’s confident boundary set the tone.
This comprehensive victory not only boosted Quetta Gladiators’ net run rate but also reaffirmed their credentials as serious contenders in the tournament, with their bowlers and top order both delivering under pressure.
