Timely time-out does the trick for Multan Sultans

DUBAI: Wasim Akram’s one good decision tilted the game’s balance in the favour of debutants Multan Sultans in Friday night’s match against Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League in Dubai.

Chasing a victory target of 180, Qalandars were going great guns when Fakhar Zaman and Umar Akmal were striking the ball to all parts of the Dubai International Stadium in their 60-run stand for the third wicket.

Lahore Qalandars were bowled out for 136 in the 18th over, losing by 43 runs.

When it looked that Fakhar and Umar would carry the day for Qalandars, Multan Sultans’ Director Coaching Wasim Akram took a time-out at the end of the 10th over.

The decision worked wonders as Sultans not only ended the stand, they also succeed in triggering a collapse that saw Lahore losing their last seven wickets for just four runs.

Junaid Khan (2-24) performed a hat-trick and leg-spinner Imran Tahir (3-27) got some crucial wickets to totally change the complexion of the game.

“When Umar and Fakhar were threatening to take the match away from us, we decided to take a time-out rather than waiting. It disturbed their tempo and enabled us to bounce back in the game,” Wasim said.

Wasim praised coach Tom Moody for making the players believe that they were just one wicket away from bouncing back in the match. “That’s exactly what happened. Once we dislodged Umar and then Fakhar, they suffered a collapse.”

After two wins from two outings, Sultans are leading the points table. “It’s too early to predict anything but at the moment Multan are off to a dream start,” Wasim said.

He also praised Shoaib Malik for using his expertise on the field. “Sultans are lucky to have the services of an experienced campaigner as captain.”

Wasim believes some fresh talent will come to the fore in the third edition of the PSL as well. “I have seen spark in some of the newcomers. Hopefully, PSL 3 will also produce talent for international cricket.”

Lahore Qalandars’ Director Aaqib Javed tried to play down the amazing collapse, saying such things happen in cricket. “We have learnt a lot from our first outing and hopefully we will come up with a better plan for the coming games.”

Scores in brief: Multan Sultans 179-5 (Kumar Sangakkara 63, Shoaib Malik 48, Ahmed Shehzad 38; Mustafizur Rahman 2-22, Yasir Shah 1-27). Lahore Qalandars 136 all out in 17.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 49, Umar Akmal 31, Sunil Narine 26, Sohail Akhtar 21; Junaid Khan 3-24, Imran Tahir 3-27, Mohammad Irfan 2-19, Kieron Pollard 2-28). Result: Multan Sultans won by 43 runs.