Lahore, February 27, 2024 – The Lahore Qalandars faced yet another devastating defeat in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9, marking their sixth consecutive loss. In a thrilling match held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Multan Sultans emerged victorious, securing a commanding 60-run win in the 20-over clash.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Multan Sultans encountered an early setback as Captain Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for a duck. However, the team found a savior in Usama Khan, who played a remarkable inning of 96 runs off just 55 balls. Contributions from Reeza Handricks and Iftikhar Ahmed, with 40 runs each, bolstered the team’s total to an imposing 214 runs for the loss of four wickets.
Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the key bowler for Lahore Qalandars, claiming two wickets for 39 runs in his four overs. Carlos Brathwaite and Sikandar Raza chipped in with one wicket each, trying to contain the Multan Sultans’ aggressive batting display.
In response to the daunting target of 215 runs, Lahore Qalandars faced a major collapse and were bowled out for 154 runs, falling three overs short of their 20-over quota. Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, and Rassie van der Dussen managed to score 31 runs, 23 runs, and 30 runs, respectively.
Usama Mir emerged as the star bowler for Multan Sultans, wreaking havoc by taking six wickets in his four-over spell while conceding 40 runs. Faisal Akram contributed with two crucial wickets, while Khushdil Shah and Aftab Ibrahim shared one wicket each to complete Lahore Qalandars’ misery.
Usama Khan’s outstanding innings with the bat earned him the well-deserved title of Player of the Match. His explosive 96-run performance not only set the tone for Multan Sultans’ imposing total but also played a crucial role in securing the team’s victory.
As Lahore Qalandars find themselves in a dire situation with six consecutive defeats, the team management and players face increasing pressure to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of PSL Season 9. Meanwhile, Multan Sultans continue their impressive run, consolidating their position in the tournament and leaving a trail of formidable performances. The PSL 9 journey unfolds, promising more excitement and unpredictable outcomes for cricket enthusiasts across the nation.
