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Lahore Qalandars successfully defended their Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after defeating Multan Sultans by one run in the tournament final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a daunting target of 201 runs, the Sultans came very close but lost by one run in a match that was an emotional roller coaster for all fans.
After dismissing opener Usman Khan in the fourth over of the innings, David Wiese provided the breakthrough during the run-chase. In 12 pitches, the right-hander scored 18 runs.
Despite the early loss, the Sultans kept up with the required run-rate thanks to an impressive 64-run partnership between Rilee Rossouw and Mohammad Rizwan.
Rashid struck again in his final over, killing Rizwan, 34 off 23, while attempting to clear the long-on boundary. To complete the catch, David Wiese needed to catch the ball, keep his balance, and then flick the ball back in the air as he stepped over the rope before reestablishing himself inside the boundary.
Shaheen, who gave up 34 runs in his first two overs, returned in his second spell to dismiss the dangerous Kieron Pollard. In 16 balls, the Windies all-rounder scored 19 runs. Shaheen also took three wickets in his final over, putting his team in a good position to win the match.
Shaheen also took three wickets in his final over, putting his team in a good position to win the match.
Haris Rauf, on the other hand, conceded 22 runs in the penultimate over to ensure a thrilling finish to the match.
But Zaman Khan held his nerve to get his team over the line in the match’s final over.
Earlier, in their allotted 20 overs, the Qalandars scored 200-6.
After a quick start in which the Qalandars scored 34 runs in the first three overs, opener Tahir Baig was out with a sharp short ball by Ihsanullah. In 18 balls, the right-hander scored 30 runs.
As Lahore reached 82-1 at the halfway point, the wicket, combined with some good bowling, assisted the Sultans in stemming the flow of runs.
Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique added 57 runs in 38 balls for the second wicket, but the Sultans demolished the batting side’s plans with four quick wickets just as they decided to speed up the scoring.
Usama Mir, the leg-spinner, took three wickets in his first two overs, including Zaman (39), Sam Billings (9), and Ahsan Hafeez (0).
Meanwhile, Khushdil Shah dismissed Sikandar Raza (1) with a ball that skidded through the batter’s stumps.
With Lahore struggling, captain Shaheen stepped out on the pitch and unleashed a stunning attack on the Multan bowlers. He was unbeaten on 44 runs in 15 balls, with two fours and five maximums.
Meanwhile, Khushdil Shah dismissed Sikandar Raza (1) with a ball that skidded through the batter’s stumps.
With the Qalandars struggling, captain Shaheen stepped out onto the field and unleashed some sensational shot-making on the Multan bowlers. He was unbeaten on 44 runs in 15 balls, with two fours and five maximums.