Mohammad Rizwan’s impressive 82 from 59 balls, complemented by Iftikhar Ahmed’s decisive hitting in the final overs, propelled Multan Sultans to a victory against Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League’s ninth season’s seventh match at Multan Cricket Stadium.
This win marks the Sultans’ third triumph, while the Qalandars face their third defeat.
Iftikhar Ahmed’s explosive 24 runs in the 19th over concluded the pursuit of 167 within 19 overs. Remaining undefeated, Ahmed scored 34 from just 11 deliveries.
The chase, led by Rizwan, demonstrated exceptional skill and faced hurdles. Rizwan’s innings provided stability, scoring 82.
Early in the innings, the Sultans experienced a setback with Dawid Malan’s dismissal for zero off Zaman Khan. Reeza Hendricks and Yasir Khan followed shortly, adding only minimal runs to the scoreboard.
Partnering with Willey, Rizwan managed a critical 75-run partnership after the early losses. Post-Rizwan’s exit, Ahmed took over, leading the team with Willey.
Willey contributed 25 runs before his dismissal in the 18th over.
Ahmed’s innings, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, secured the Sultans’ third victory.
Earlier, Lahore set a challenging total, overcoming a poor start. The opening blow saw Sahibzada Farhan dismissed early, with Lahore at three runs.
Van der Dussen and Fakhar Zaman then steadied the innings, adding 94 runs until van der Dussen’s dismissal after a half-century.
Van der Dussen was Lahore’s leading scorer with 54 from 37 balls.
Fakhar Zaman also contributed significantly before being dismissed in the 16th over.
Sikandar Raza and Jahandad Khan later added crucial runs, with Raza scoring 23 and Jahandad 16.
Carlos Brathwaite’s late effort added to Lahore’s total, scoring 15 runs quickly.
For Multan, Mohammad Ali led the bowling with two wickets, supported by Abbas Afridi and Usama Mir, each taking a wicket.
