LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators despite late hiccups had little trouble surpassing the slender target set by Multan Sultans in the 22nd match of the PSL-4 at the Dubai International Stadium Friday night. Restricted at 121, Multan Sultans once again failed in their approach while Quetta Gladiators reached 122 for four to earn a six wickets victory with an over to spare.
Quetta was progressing quite reasonably towards the target but 16th over run out of Ralee Rossouw with a direct hit from Muhammad Ilyas from fine leg halted the flow of runs. Rossouw in fact ‘manufactured’ runs from the pace set by opener Shane Watson (33). Rossouw mustered 35 runs in 33 balls. Things further slowed down when Umar Akmal was caught at mid wicket for a duck. But Ahmed Shehzad for his first innings of value made 32 not out and with DJ Bravo taking their team home. Ahsan Ali before abandoning his opening partner made useful 17. Shahid Afridi had both the Galdiator openers for 18 runs while Ilyas had one scalp.
Multan’s batting caved in to Quetta attack by three wickets each by Sohail Tanvir and Darren Bravo in respective brilliant bowling spells. Muhammad Nawaz picked two wickets while Muhammad Hasnain bagged one to assist the pace attack, in restricting Sultans to 121.
Johnson Charles remained the only player for Sultans with his 46 off 36 runs knock with five boundaries and a six to prevent a complete destruction of Sultans. The next in line was skipper Shoaib Malik with his 21 off 24.
Quetta Gladiators drew the first blood with the wicket of James Vince during the power play overs in the second fixture of the day at the Dubai International Stadium. Muhammad Nawaz got the first wicket for Gladiators in his very first over.
After an excellent start to their Pakistan Super League campaign, Quetta Gladiators who lost the magic touch as they stumbled into a string of losses, now have 10 points to be in second place while Multan has dropped to rock bottom.
