Lahore Qalandars delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Multan Sultans by 20 runs in a rain-shortened 13-over Pakistan Super League match at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
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Batting first, Lahore posted a formidable 185 for 5, powered by a blistering opening partnership between Mohammad Naeem and Parvez Hossain Emon. The duo added a stunning 86 runs in just 5.1 overs, setting the tone for the innings.
Naeem smashed 60 off 28 balls, hitting four fours and four sixes, while Emon hammered 45 off just 19 deliveries, including five sixes. Abdullah Shafique maintained the momentum with a quickfire 33 off 14 balls as Lahore dominated the powerplay and middle overs.
Despite some late resistance from Multan bowlers, including Peter Siddle, who returned economical figures, Lahore’s total proved imposing in the shortened format.
In reply, Multan Sultans managed 165 for 5, falling short despite fighting knocks from Shan Masood and Ashton Turner. Masood struck 44 off 18 balls with fluent strokeplay, while Turner remained unbeaten on 52 off 22 deliveries.
Early wickets dented Multan’s chase, with Shaheen Shah Afridi removing Steven Smith and maintaining pressure with disciplined bowling. Mustafizur Rahman proved crucial in the middle overs, picking up two key wickets including Masood.
Sikandar Raza also contributed with the ball, dismissing Arafat Minhas in the final over to seal the contest.
Despite late hitting, the required run rate proved too steep for Multan, as Lahore’s bowlers executed their plans effectively under pressure.
The victory highlighted Lahore’s explosive batting and disciplined bowling, while Multan were left to rue costly extras and inconsistent bowling that allowed the Qalandars to build a match-winning total.
