QUE VS MUL T20S

Right then, that is it from this one-sided affair where Multan Sultans finish the league stages on the top while Quetta Gladiators will play the Eliminator. So, the league stages are done in the Pakistan Super League 2024 and we move into the playoffs. Next up is the Qualifier where Multan Sultans will take on Peshawar Zalmi. The match will begin on 14th March, Thursday at 9.30 pm IST (4 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Mohammad Rizwan, the victorious skipper of Multan Sultans is also the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his amazing knock. He says that he is very happy with the win and they are taking one game at a time. Adds that they decided they would bat first if they won the toss. Tells that it got a bit tricky in the last game as they only focused on getting the runs but Iftikhar Ahmed played well. Mentions that they decided on their playing team considering the conditions as well as the opponents. Says that they keep on changing and that has worked for them this season. Ends by saying that there is always something to play for like in this game they had to win to play the Qualifier, and they will give their best in the next on to make it to the final.

Rilee Rossouw, the captain of Quetta Gladiators says that their batting let them down once again. Adds that their bowlers did really well but the bottom line is, he needs to start scoring runs. Tells that if that happens, the team will do well but he feels he is letting them down. Mentions that they wanted to play good cricket before the playoffs but that did not happen. Ends by saying that hopefully, they can turn things around in the Eliminator.

Presentation Time...

Usama Mir, the highest wicket-taker of the tournament so far is up for a chat. He says that it is a special achievement to be in this position and credits the team management for his success. Adds that his skipper Mohammad Rizwan has backed him when he was down and it feels good. Mentions that they just had to land it in the right areas and it worked for him.

Earlier in the game, Multan Sultans were invited to bat first and they put on a tough total of 185 on the board. Mohammad Rizwan and Johnson Charles scored quick fifties and kept inflating the scoring rate. They together put on a strong partnership of 68 runs. Iftikhar Ahmed played a crucial cameo and added more runs to the total. Mohammad Amir picked up a couple of wickets for Quetta Gladiators while Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Wasim chipped in with one each. While chasing, they were never really in it as the Multan Sultans bowlers brushed them aside sealing a fine win.

Multan Sultans, on the other hand, were right on the money from the start here. David Willey once again provided the early breakthrough, while a brilliant piece of fielding from Yasir Khan made sure they get rid of both the openers. Wiley struck once again with a crushing yorker to dismiss Rilee Rossouw and they gained full control of the game after that event. Abbas Afridi was excellent as well picking up two wickets while Mohammad Ali ended up with one. Usama Mir once again showed his magic with the ball picking up three wickets and finished the job in the end with his 21st wicket of the season and remains as the leading wicket-taker going into the playoffs.

It was a sorry-looking scorecard for the Quetta Gladiators. The openers failed to give them a good start, and the run out of Saud Shakeel added more misery. They lost three wickets inside the Powerplay including skipper Rilee Rossouw who is having a very disappointing season, and when you lose early wickets in a run chase, it becomes really difficult for the middle order to keep up with the asking rate. Omair Yousuf tried his best and played a fighting knock but could not really get any support from the other end. Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Wasim did contribute a few runs that tool them past the 100-run marks or else it could have been even more embarrassing for them. They will need to quickly move on from this and focus on the playoffs as there will be no second chances now.

A complete domination from Multan Sultans! They finish the league stages with a comfortable victory and end up as the leaders as well.  This is also a very crucial win for them as now they will get two shots at the final. Quetta Gladiators were outplayed in all three departments here and probably bowling first here was not a clever decision by Rilee Rossouw. They have been bowled out for the lowest total in this season and the lowest in their history as well. However, all is not lost for them as they will play in the Eliminator against Islamabad United and have to take the long route to the final.

OUT! CASTLED! Usama Mir wraps things up here! He bowls this slower through the air, short and middle, turns away sharply once again, Mohammad Wasim moves back to play but does so down the wrong line and the ball sneaks past the outside edge to shatter the stumps. Multan Sultans wins by 79 runs!

A googly now, on off, turns in, Mohammad Wasim fends it off the inner half of the bat onto his pads.

BEATEN AGAIN! This is flighted, full and on off, turns away sharply again, Mohammad Wasim strides out to block but misses as the ball zips past the outside edge.

BEAUTY! This is floated, full and on off, grips and turns away, Mohammad Wasim looks to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Mohammad Wasim knocks it to the left of the bowler.

Fuller and on off, Usman Tariq pushes it through covers but Mohammad Wasim denies the run.

Short of a length and on middle, takes off, Usman Tariq somehow manages to keep it out to the off side.

Strategic Break! Nothing much to say now here as Multan Sultans just need one wicket for the win here. Quetta Gladiators will hope to score as many as possible to save some pride. Also, Usman Tariq is the last man in.