Multan, April 21, 2025 — Multan Sultans put up a dominant show at home as they defeated Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs in a high-scoring encounter of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, played at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The Sultans, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, piled up a massive 228/5 in their 20 overs before restricting the Qalandars to 195/9, sealing a crucial win in Match 12 of the tournament.
Yasir Khan Leads Multan’s Power-Packed Batting Show
Multan’s batting was spearheaded by young opener Yasir Khan, who played a blistering knock of 87 runs off just 44 balls, smashing 6 fours and 6 sixes at an electrifying strike rate of 197.73. He provided a strong foundation alongside skipper Mohammad Rizwan (32 off 17), who gave early momentum to the innings.
Middle-order contributions from Usman Khan (39 off 24) and Iftikhar Ahmed (40 off 18)* ensured the scoring rate remained consistently high. Iftikhar’s fiery finish, including 3 sixes, powered Multan to a towering total.
Despite the carnage, Asif Afridi (1/26 in 4 overs) and Sikandar Raza (1/15 in 2 overs) stood out for Lahore with some economical spells. Rishad Hossain picked up two wickets but went for 45 runs.
Lahore Qalandars Fall Short Despite Raza’s Resistance
Chasing a mammoth target of 229, Lahore Qalandars started aggressively with Fakhar Zaman hammering 32 off just 14 balls, but the team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The middle order showed promise as Sam Billings chipped in with 43 off 23 balls, but it was Sikandar Raza who fought till the end with an unbeaten 50 off 27 deliveries, including 4 fours and 2 sixes.
However, the required rate proved too steep as Multan’s bowlers struck at crucial intervals. Ubaid Shah, the emerging pacer, delivered a match-winning spell with figures of 3/37 in 4 overs, rattling the Qalandars’ middle order.
Supporting him was Usama Mir, who bowled a tight spell of 2/26, while Michael Bracewell chipped in with 2/20 in 3 overs, showcasing control and variations.
Key Moments:
Yasir Khan’s 87 set the tone for Multan’s mammoth total.
Iftikhar’s late blitz powered MS past 225.
Ubaid Shah’s 3-wicket haul derailed Qalandars’ chase.
Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 50 was a lone bright spot in Lahore’s batting collapse.
What This Means for the Points Table
This victory reinforces Multan Sultans’ strong start to the PSL 2025 season as they continue to dominate on their home turf. Lahore Qalandars, on the other hand, will need to reassess their bowling combinations and middle-order stability as they seek to bounce back in the coming matches.
Match Summary:
Multan Sultans: 228/5 (20 overs)
Yasir Khan 87 (44), Iftikhar Ahmed 40 (18) | Rishad Hossain 2/45*
Lahore Qalandars: 195/9 (20 overs)
Sikandar Raza 50 (27), Sam Billings 43 (23) | Ubaid Shah 3/37, Usama Mir 2/26*
Multan Sultans won by 33 runs
