The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 witnessed an exciting clash as defending champions Lahore Qalandars secured a 20-run victory over Multan Sultans in a rain-shortened 13-over match at Gaddafi Stadium. After a delay of nearly two hours due to persistent rain, Multan’s captain Ashton Turner won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that quickly turned unfavorable as Lahore’s batters came out with aggressive intent.
The Qalandars got off to a flying start, thanks to an explosive opening partnership between Mohammad Naeem and Parvez Hossain Emon. The duo added 86 runs in quick time, dismantling the Multan bowling attack. Naeem smashed a brilliant 60 off 28 balls, while Emon contributed a rapid 45 off just 19 deliveries, hitting multiple sixes in a destructive display. Their aggressive approach powered Lahore to 66 without loss by the end of the shortened powerplay, putting immense pressure on the opposition early in the innings.
Following Emon’s dismissal, Naeem continued his attacking form and built a strong partnership with Abdullah Shafique, who scored a quick 33 off 14 balls. At one stage, Lahore reached 134 for one in just eight overs and looked set for a 200-plus total. However, Multan Sultans managed to fight back in the latter stages, with debutant Mohammad Ismail picking up two wickets despite conceding heavily earlier. Faisal Akram, Peter Siddle, and a run-out further slowed the scoring. In the final moments, Sikandar Raza added a crucial unbeaten 13, helping Lahore Qalandars post a formidable total of 185 for five.
In response, Multan Sultans struggled early in their chase of 186, losing key wickets within the powerplay. Steve Smith was bowled by Lahore’s captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Josh Philippe followed soon after, leaving the team under pressure at 18 for two. Sahibzada Farhan attempted to counterattack with a quick 24, but his dismissal by Mustafizur Rahman further dented the chase.
A strong fightback came from Shan Masood, who played a blistering innings of 44 off just 18 balls, keeping Multan in contention. However, Mustafizur struck again at a crucial moment to remove him, shifting momentum back in Lahore’s favor. Despite a valiant effort from Ashton Turner, who remained unbeaten on 52 off 22 balls, and a quick 25 from Arafat Minhas, the target proved too steep. Sikandar Raza eventually broke their partnership in the final over, sealing the win for Lahore Qalandars.
Lahore’s disciplined bowling performance, led by Mustafizur Rahman’s two wickets and supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sikandar Raza, ensured that Multan Sultans were restricted to 165 for five. Mohammad Naeem was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding knock, which laid the foundation for Lahore’s victory. This win further strengthens Lahore Qalandars’ position in PSL 11, while Multan Sultans face their first setback of the tournament despite a spirited chase.
