Yasir Khan Named Player of the Match After Stunning Half-Century

MULTAN: In the 12th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, Multan Sultans secured a convincing 33-run win against Lahore Qalandars at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to Yasir Khan’s explosive half-century and Ubaid Shah’s impressive three-wicket haul.

The Qalandars, in pursuit of a challenging 229-run target, managed to score 195/9 in their allotted overs, despite a half-century from Sikandar Raza.

Qalandars’ Innings

The Qalandars began their chase steadily, with openers Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman forming a quick 38-run partnership.

However, their momentum was disrupted when Naeem was dismissed by Michael Bracewell in the fourth over, scoring 11 off as many balls.

Fakhar followed in the subsequent over, caught by Josh Little off a delivery from Ubaid Shah after scoring a quick 32 off 14 balls, including two boundaries and three sixes.

The Qalandars then experienced a series of wickets falling at regular intervals, which slowed down the scoring rate for the team.

Sam Billings provided some resistance in the middle overs, scoring 43 off 23 balls with two fours and four sixes, before being dismissed by Ubaid in the 15th over.

Sikandar Raza contributed a valiant unbeaten half-century lower down the order, but his efforts weren’t sufficient to secure victory for the Qalandars. He remained the top scorer with 50* off 27 deliveries, hitting five fours and three sixes.

Ubaid Shah was the pick of the bowlers for the Sultans, claiming three wickets for 37 runs in his four overs. Bracewell and Usama Mir supported him with two wickets each, while David Willey and Josh Little took one wicket apiece.

Sultans’ Innings

Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to bat first proved fruitful, as the Sultans’ batting lineup posted 228/5 in 20 overs.

The home side enjoyed a rapid start, with the new opening duo of Yasir and Rizwan attacking the Qalandars’ bowlers, amassing 89 runs in seven overs.

Asif Afridi provided a crucial breakthrough, dismissing Rizwan in the eighth over. The Sultans’ captain scored a quick 32 off 17 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

Usman Khan then joined Yasir Khan, and together they forged a significant 70-run partnership before both were dismissed in consecutive overs.

Usman scored 39 off 24 balls with five fours and a six, while Yasir was the highest scorer with a dynamic 87 off 44 deliveries, featuring six boundaries and six sixes.

The Sultans then suffered another setback when Rishad Hossain dismissed Ashton Turner (15), reducing the score to 179/4 in 15.4 overs.

Later, Iftikhar Ahmed’s quickfire 40 off 18 balls helped the Sultans surpass the 220-run mark.

Rishad was the most successful bowler for the Qalandars, taking two wickets for 45 runs in his four overs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sikandar Raza, and Asif Afridi each claimed one wicket.

Despite the 33-run victory, Multan Sultans are still at the bottom of the PSL 10 standings with two points from four games, while Lahore Qalandars remain in third place.