In a cricket spectacle that left the crowd in awe, Multan Sultans staged a magnificent show, securing a dominant 60-run triumph over Lahore Qalandars in Lahore on Tuesday, February 27. The star-studded performance featured a blazing 96-run inning by Usman Khan (55 balls) and an exceptional six-wicket haul by Usama Mir.
Multan’s onslaught began with Usman’s powerful display, perfectly complemented by contributions from Reeza Hendricks (40 off 27) and Iftikhar Ahmed (40* off 18). Together, they orchestrated a daunting total of 214, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.
With Lahore yearning for a win to bid farewell to their home leg, hopes were high for a thrilling contest. However, Multan had other plans. Despite a promising start from Lahore’s top three, the innings crumbled during the middle overs, resulting in a disappointing end and extending Lahore’s winless streak to a staggering six games this season.
The game kicked off with defending champions Lahore Qalandars enjoying a momentary high as skipper Shaheen Afridi dismissed Mohammad Rizwan in the opening over. Yet, that joy was short-lived. Usman, seizing the opportunity at no.3, showcased a power-packed performance, plundering boundaries with flair during the powerplay. Hendricks played a supporting role, adding 70 runs in just 46 balls before falling to a soft dismissal.
Usman’s onslaught continued, displaying prowess against both pace and spin, with Tayyab Tahir joining him for a crucial 77-run partnership. Lahore’s bowling woes, compounded by the absence of key players, allowed Usman and Iftikhar to capitalize on boundary balls and accumulate runs at the back end.
In the chase, Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan initiated on a positive note, forming a fifty partnership within the powerplay. However, Multan struck back swiftly, dismissing Fakhar and Farhan in quick succession. The momentum waned, and despite sporadic shots from Rassie van der Dussen and Sikandar Raza, Lahore found themselves in a precarious position.
Raza’s departure triggered a massive implosion, as the Qalandars lost five wickets for just 25 runs in 23 deliveries. Wrist spinner Faisal Akram and Usama Mir orchestrated the downfall. Mir, in particular, showcased his brilliance, claiming three wickets in the 15th over and swiftly finishing off the remaining two in his final over.
In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Multan Sultans emerged victorious, leaving Lahore Qalandars in their wake.
Brief scores: Multan Sultans 214/4 in 20 overs (Usman Khan 96, Iftikhar Ahmed 40*, Reeza Hendricks 40; Shaheen Afridi 2-39) beat Lahore Qalandars 154 in 17 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 31; Usama Mir 6-40, Faisal Akram 2-25) by 60 runs
