Muhammad Ali win player of the match with his briliance performance 3/19 | © PSL (PCB)
In a thrilling clash that unfolded in the PSL Season 9, Match No. 11, Multan Sultans emerged victorious against Quetta Gladiators by a margin of 13 runs, maintaining their stronghold as table-toppers. The clash featured standout performances, especially from Reeza Hendricks and captain Mohammad Rizwan, showcasing the prowess of the Multan Sultans.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Multan Sultans posted a commendable total of 180 for 4 on the scoreboard. The hero of the innings was Reeza Hendricks, who played a pivotal role with a brilliant 72-run knock. Captain Rizwan also contributed significantly with a solid half-century, scoring 51 runs. The absence of Dawid Malan due to illness opened the door for Tayyab Tahir, who seized the opportunity and added a quick 35 off 22 balls.
The Sultans’ batting display was characterized by two crucial partnerships – a notable 79-run stand between Hendricks and Rizwan for the second wicket and a further 77 runs added with Tahir. This strong foundation laid the groundwork for a challenging target and put pressure on Quetta Gladiators.
In response, Quetta Gladiators had promising starts but faltered in capitalizing on them. The real game-changers for Multan Sultans were their fast bowlers, Mohammad Ali and David Willey, who both claimed three wickets each. Mohammad Ali’s exceptional performance not only contributed to the team’s victory but also propelled him to the leading wicket-taker position in the tournament with an impressive tally of 13 wickets.
Despite a threatening partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Khawaja Nafay, the Gladiators lost wickets at crucial intervals. Nafay, who scored 36, and Rossouw fell victim to Ali and a stunning catch by Khushdil Shah, respectively. Willey showcased his all-round skills by grabbing a spectacular catch off his bowling to dismiss Sherfane Rutherford, while Ali concluded the innings by clean bowling Mohammad Amir.
The Gladiators could only manage 167 for 9 in their pursuit of the target, resulting in Multan Sultans securing their fourth win in five home games. With this victory, Sultans continue to lead the PSL Season 9 table with eight points. At the same time, Quetta Gladiators, despite the setback, holds the second spot with six points, having won three consecutive matches before this encounter.
Captain Rizwan expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance at home but emphasized the upcoming challenges of playing five away games. The only blemish in Sultans’ otherwise stellar season came at the hands of Peshawar Zalmi. The standout performer, Mohammad Ali, showcased his prowess with both the new and old ball, solidifying his status as a key player for Multan Sultans in PSL Season 9.
