Multan Sultans secured a commendable six-wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the 13th match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11, held at Gaddafi Stadium. With this win, Multan climbed to the top of the points table, accumulating six points from four matches, level with Karachi Kings but ahead on net run rate.
Quetta Gladiators opted to bat first, with Saud Shakeel leading the way with a patient 56 off 41 deliveries. His innings included six boundaries and one six, complemented by Bevon Jacobs, who remained unbeaten on 49 from 31 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes. Quetta managed to post a total of 166 for seven after their 20 overs.
The Gladiators faced early setbacks as they lost both their openers — Shamyl Hussain (2) and Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (12) — during the powerplay, dismissed by Ashton Turner and Mohammad Nawaz, respectively. Saud Shakeel and Hasan Nawaz formed a 55-run partnership for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings until Arafat Minhas struck in the 10th over, stumping Hasan for 20 runs.
Quetta’s collapse continued with Rilee Rossouw’s wicket falling shortly after. Arafat Minhas, with exceptional bowling figures of 2 for 14 in four overs, increased the pressure on the Gladiators. Saud completed his half-century off 34 balls but was dismissed in the 17th over by Nawaz, who also claimed another important wicket shortly after, leaving Quetta struggling at 122 for six.
Jacobs, however, counter-attacked effectively, partnering with Ahmed Daniyal, who retired hurt after a hamstring injury while attempting a run. Despite the setback, Jacobs helped push Quetta past the 160-mark with his aggressive batting.
In response, Multan Sultans began their innings brightly. Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith led the charge with a swift partnership that saw them reach 50 runs in just 3.2 overs. Smith’s early firepower, including a six and two fours in the first over, set the tone, while Farhan added to the score with his own boundaries.
Despite the loss of Farhan for 32 in the sixth over, Multan maintained their pace with Smith and Josh Philippe contributing significantly. Smith reached his half-century off just 29 balls but was caught in the 14th over for 53, leaving Rossouw to take a spectacular relay catch.
At 136 for three, Multan remained in control of the match. Shan Masood, with a solid 46 not out off 30 balls, anchored the innings further. Although Hasan Nawaz picked up a second wicket, trapping Arafat Minhas, the match concluded with Multan sealing victory comfortably, finishing at 167 for four with 15 balls to spare.
In summary, Multan’s solid performance with bat and ball ensured a straightforward victory over Quetta, showcasing their strength in the tournament.
Match Summary
- Quetta Gladiators: 166-8 in 20 overs (Saud Shakeel 56, Bevon Jacobs 49*, Ahmed Daniyal 22 retired hurt; Mohammad Nawaz 3-30, Arafat Minhas 2-14)
- Multan Sultans: 167-4 in 17.3 overs (Steve Smith 53, Shan Masood 46*, Sahibzada Farhan 32; Hasan Nawaz 2-17)
- Player of the Match: Mohammad Nawaz (Multan Sultans)