LAHORE: In a commanding performance at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Quetta Gladiators handed Multan Sultans a crushing 10-wicket defeat in the 18th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10. The match proved historic for Quetta, as this marked the first time in PSL history that the franchise secured victory by a margin of 10 wickets.
Chasing a modest target of 90 runs, Quetta openers Finn Allen and captain Saud Shakeel put on a clinical display of power-hitting and composure. The duo made light work of the chase, storming to victory in just 11.1 overs and finishing with a remarkable 79 balls to spare. Allen was particularly aggressive, blasting 45 not out off just 21 deliveries, while Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 42 from 20 balls.
The tone was set early when Allen took David Willey apart in the second over, smashing two sixes and a four for 17 runs. Quetta raced to 38-0 inside four overs and brought up the 50-run stand shortly after. By the end of the powerplay, Quetta had surged to 74 without loss, leaving Multan stunned.
Multan Sultans, on the other hand, had a dismal outing with the bat after opting to bat first. They were rattled early by Quetta’s fiery pace attack, with Khurram Shahzad removing Yasir Khan and Usman Khan in the same over to reduce Multan to 7-2. Khurram continued his devastation by dismissing Kamran Ghulam and Curtis Campher in quick succession, plunging Multan to 20-4.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan fought a lone battle, scoring 44 runs, but found no support from the other end. Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with two wickets each, while Ubaid Shah finished the job by bowling Rizwan to end Multan’s innings at 89 in just 17 overs.
Multan’s collapse was punctuated by sharp fielding from Quetta, with a highlight being a brilliant diving run-out by Rilee Rossouw. This dominant display reinforced Quetta’s resurgence in the tournament and marked their fourth victory in PSL 10.
With this win, Quetta Gladiators not only outclassed Multan Sultans but also sent a strong message to the rest of the teams. Both Quetta and Multan will now look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, hoping to solidify their positions in the playoff race.