Multan Sultans returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, defeating Quetta Gladiators by six wickets in the 13th match of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night. The convincing chase of 167 not only marked a strong comeback after their first loss of the season but also propelled Multan to the top of the points table.
Quetta Gladiators, after being put in to bat, posted a competitive total of 166 for seven, largely built around a composed half-century from Saud Shakeel. His 56 off 41 balls, featuring six boundaries and a six, anchored the innings during a period of instability. He found support from Hasan Nawaz, who contributed 20 in a 55-run partnership for the third wicket.
However, Quetta’s momentum faltered in the middle overs. Arafat Minhas delivered a tight spell, claiming two crucial wickets, including Rilee Rossouw, as the Gladiators slipped to 72 for four. Later, Mohammad Nawaz struck decisive blows, removing both Shakeel and Tom Curran in the 17th over to finish with impressive figures of 3 for 30.
A late surge from Bevon Jacobs, who remained unbeaten on 49, alongside a quickfire 22 from Ahmed Daniyal (retired hurt), pushed Quetta past the 160 mark. Daniyal’s injury in the final over, however, added concern to Quetta’s innings.
In response, Multan Sultans came out blazing. Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith dismantled the Quetta bowling attack early, racing to 50 in just 3.2 overs. Smith was particularly aggressive, smashing boundaries at will, including four consecutive fours off Curran.
Farhan’s quick 32 off 14 balls set the tone before his dismissal, but Multan had already surged to 71 for one. Josh Philippe added a steady 18, keeping the momentum alive before falling in the eighth over.
Smith continued his dominance, bringing up a fluent half-century off 29 balls before falling for 53 in spectacular fashion—Rossouw pulling off a relay catch near the boundary. Despite the wicket, Multan remained firmly in control at 136 for three.
Shan Masood then ensured there were no late hiccups. His unbeaten 46 off 30 balls guided the chase with calm authority, supported by Ashton Turner, as Multan sealed victory with 15 balls to spare.
With this win, Multan Sultans climbed to the top of the table with six points from four matches, edging Karachi Kings on net run-rate. The all-round performance of Mohammad Nawaz earned him the Player of the Match award.
Multan will next face Rawalpindi in their upcoming fixture at Gaddafi Stadium as they look to maintain their strong position in the tournament.
