Yasir, Ubaid Propel Multan Sultans to First Victory in PSL X
In a thrilling encounter at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, Multan Sultans secured their first victory of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, defeating Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs in the tournament’s 12th match. The Sultans’ triumph was propelled by Yasir Khan’s quickfire half-century and Ubaid Shah’s exceptional bowling performance, which put them in control from start to finish.
Yasir Khan’s Blistering Fifty Lays the Foundation
Multan Sultans, opting to bat first, set a daunting target of 229 runs, largely thanks to an explosive opening stand. Yasir Khan, in particular, was in sensational form, top-scoring for the Sultans with a blistering 87 off just 44 balls. His innings was laced with six fours and as many sixes, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair. Yasir’s opening partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a quickfire 32 off 17 balls, provided a solid foundation with 89 runs in the first seven overs.
Though Rizwan’s departure to a delivery from Asif Afridi halted the run rate momentarily, Yasir and Usman Khan (39 off 24) built a 70-run stand to maintain the pressure on the Qalandars. Usman, too, played an exciting cameo, with five fours and a six to his name. However, the Sultans were pegged back slightly when Rishad Hossain dismissed both Usman and Yasir in consecutive overs.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s cameo (40 off 18) at the backend of the innings pushed the Sultans’ total to a massive 228/5 in 20 overs, giving them a solid platform to defend.
Ubaid Shah Shines with the Ball
In the chase, Lahore Qalandars started well with openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman putting together a brisk 38-run stand. However, their momentum was short-lived as Ubaid Shah struck early, removing Fakhar (32 off 14), caught brilliantly by Josh Little, and then accounted for Sam Billings (43 off 23) in the 15th over. Billings’ resistance, which included two fours and four sixes, was one of the few bright spots for the Qalandars in the middle overs.
Despite a gritty half-century from Sikandar Raza (50* off 27), who remained the top scorer for the Qalandars, Lahore’s chase faltered. Raza’s efforts, which included five fours and three sixes, were not enough to pull his team over the line as the Sultans’ bowlers kept the pressure on. Ubaid Shah was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs in his four overs, while Michael Bracewell and Usama Mir supported with two wickets each.
Sultans’ Balanced Attack Clinches the Win
The Sultans’ bowlers, led by Ubaid, consistently struck at key moments, and the pressure mounted on Lahore Qalandars, who eventually finished their chase at 195/9 in their allotted 20 overs. While Rishad Hossain (2/45) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/41) were among the wicket-takers, it was Ubaid’s disciplined bowling and the contributions from his fellow bowlers that made the difference.
With this victory, Multan Sultans have not only secured their first win of PSL X but have also shown that they have the firepower to challenge the best in the competition. Their performance, marked by explosive batting and clinical bowling, will surely give them confidence as they move forward in the tournament.
Conclusion
Multan Sultans’ dominant 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars was a well-rounded team effort. Yasir Khan’s blistering half-century and Ubaid Shah’s superb bowling display were the key highlights of the match. Sikandar Raza’s valiant 50 and Billings’ resistance couldn’t save the Qalandars as the Sultans’ all-round performance took them to a much-needed win. With this victory, the Sultans have set the stage for an exciting remainder of the PSL X season.
Yasir Khan’s Blistering Fifty Lays the Foundation
Multan Sultans, opting to bat first, set a daunting target of 229 runs, largely thanks to an explosive opening stand. Yasir Khan, in particular, was in sensational form, top-scoring for the Sultans with a blistering 87 off just 44 balls. His innings was laced with six fours and as many sixes, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair. Yasir’s opening partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a quickfire 32 off 17 balls, provided a solid foundation with 89 runs in the first seven overs.
Though Rizwan’s departure to a delivery from Asif Afridi halted the run rate momentarily, Yasir and Usman Khan (39 off 24) built a 70-run stand to maintain the pressure on the Qalandars. Usman, too, played an exciting cameo, with five fours and a six to his name. However, the Sultans were pegged back slightly when Rishad Hossain dismissed both Usman and Yasir in consecutive overs.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s cameo (40 off 18) at the backend of the innings pushed the Sultans’ total to a massive 228/5 in 20 overs, giving them a solid platform to defend.
Ubaid Shah Shines with the Ball
In the chase, Lahore Qalandars started well with openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman putting together a brisk 38-run stand. However, their momentum was short-lived as Ubaid Shah struck early, removing Fakhar (32 off 14), caught brilliantly by Josh Little, and then accounted for Sam Billings (43 off 23) in the 15th over. Billings’ resistance, which included two fours and four sixes, was one of the few bright spots for the Qalandars in the middle overs.
Despite a gritty half-century from Sikandar Raza (50* off 27), who remained the top scorer for the Qalandars, Lahore’s chase faltered. Raza’s efforts, which included five fours and three sixes, were not enough to pull his team over the line as the Sultans’ bowlers kept the pressure on. Ubaid Shah was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 37 runs in his four overs, while Michael Bracewell and Usama Mir supported with two wickets each.
Sultans’ Balanced Attack Clinches the Win
The Sultans’ bowlers, led by Ubaid, consistently struck at key moments, and the pressure mounted on Lahore Qalandars, who eventually finished their chase at 195/9 in their allotted 20 overs. While Rishad Hossain (2/45) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (1/41) were among the wicket-takers, it was Ubaid’s disciplined bowling and the contributions from his fellow bowlers that made the difference.
With this victory, Multan Sultans have not only secured their first win of PSL X but have also shown that they have the firepower to challenge the best in the competition. Their performance, marked by explosive batting and clinical bowling, will surely give them confidence as they move forward in the tournament.
Conclusion
Multan Sultans’ dominant 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars was a well-rounded team effort. Yasir Khan’s blistering half-century and Ubaid Shah’s superb bowling display were the key highlights of the match. Sikandar Raza’s valiant 50 and Billings’ resistance couldn’t save the Qalandars as the Sultans’ all-round performance took them to a much-needed win. With this victory, the Sultans have set the stage for an exciting remainder of the PSL X season.
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