LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators inflicted a humiliating 10-wicket defeat on Multan Sultans by ten wickets on Tuesday, eliminating the latter from playoff contention in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10.
While chasing the modest target, Captain Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen made it look effortless, registering their fourth win of the PSL 10 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The Gladiators got off to a flying start, with opener Finn Allen taking the attack to David Willey in the second over, smashing two sixes and a four for 17 runs to set the tone early.
The duo cruised to victory with an unbeaten 90-run partnership in just under seven overs, without losing a single wicket.
Saud led from the front with a commanding 42 not out off 20 balls, smashing 3 fours and 4 sixes, while Allen matched the aggression with 45 not out off 21 deliveries, laced with 5 sixes and 2 fours.
Earlier, a fiery spell from Khurram Shahzad led a dominant Quetta Gladiators bowling performance that skittled Multan Sultans for their lowest-ever total in PSL history, bowling them out for just 89 runs in 17 overs.
Opener Yasir Khan was dismissed by Khurram Shahzad for five, and Usman Khan followed for a second-ball duck in the same over, leaving the side reeling at 7-2.
Khurram continued his fiery spell, removing Kamran Ghulam (3) and Curtis Campher (4) in his next over to leave the Sultans tottering at 20-4 within the first four overs.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed tried to stabilize the innings but found no respite. Faheem Ashraf dismissed Iftikhar for six, and then removed Michael Bracewell for a duck, as Multan slumped to 43-6.
Only skipper Mohammad Rizwan offered resistance with a gritty 44 not out off 44 balls, holding one end but watching partners fall regularly. No other batter could cross double figures, except for Usama Mir, who hit a brisk 11 off 6 before being run out.
The collapse was sealed by Mohammad Wasim, who removed David Willey and Ubaid Shah to finish with 2 for 18, while two run outs added to Multan’s misery.
