Multan Sultans [160/5] reach PSL 8 final with 84-run rout of Lahore Qalandars [76] in the Qualifier

[MenInG]

The situation:



Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans have an opportunity to advance to the final.

Based on hype alone, Lahore Qalandars should be fine the finalists but Multan could spring a surprise with their new found confidence. Would Usman Khan be preferred over Shan?

[MenInG]

Packed crowds. High-octane cricket. Young talent taking the stage by storm. The HBL Pakistan Super League 8 has already established itself as a contender for the most exciting edition in the tournament’s history. The 30 league-stage matches had everything that a cricket enthusiast demands and the Playoffs – that commence tomorrow when Lahore Qalandars take on Multan Sultans in the Qualifier – promises to add icing on the cake.

This edition of the HBL PSL has seen many records tumble. It has seen the highest successful run chase ever (when Multan Sultans chased down 243 against Peshawar Zalmi), the fastest century (by Multan Sultans’ Usman Khan off 36 balls), highest individual score (Jason Roy’s 145 not out), most centuries in an HBL PSL edition (seven) and highest-ever match aggregate in the history of T20 cricket of 515 in the match between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.

As the battle for the prestigious SuperNova Trophy and yearlong bragging rights enters its final stage, Lahore will remain under spotlight for the entire week as the Gaddafi Stadium stages the much-anticipated matches of this year’s HBL PSL edition.

Lahore Qalandars have their tails up as they enter the Playoffs with seven wins. Never before they have won this many matches in the league stage of an HBL PSL edition and the fact that they are the defending champions further adds to their confidence. They were the first team to book a Playoff berth.

Table-toppers Lahore Qalandars have had a superb run at the Gaddafi Stadium and that this ground is hosting the final stage of the competition is bound to play in their favour.

Fakhar Zaman, who was the highest run-getter in their successful campaign last year, has once again carried their batting. The left-hander is the top run-getter for Lahore Qalandars with 378 runs at a staggering strike rate of 171.04. Abdullah Shafique (193 at 144.02) has played impressive innings since his addition in the playing XI midway in the tournament and their overseas players in Sikandar Raza (198 runs at 188.57) and Sam Billings (179 runs at 146.72) have provided the firepower in the middle.

Lahore Qalandars also boast one of the most dangerous bowling lineups that has helped them record biggest win ever in the HBL PSL (by 119 runs) against Islamabad United. Their captain Shaheen Afridi (14 wickets at an average of 18.78) leads an attack that is good enough to send chills down the spine of any opposition on any day. With Shaheen, Zaman Khan (12 wickets at 22.08) and Haris Rauf (14 wickets at 23.07) make a lethal pace attack that limits the opposition’s scoring options in both Powerplay and death and Rashid Khan’s wily spin keeps the batters guessing in the middle-overs. The leg-spinner has the most wickets for a spinner this season with 15 scalps at an average of only 13.

Shaheen Afridi: “I am delighted with the consistency my team has shown in this edition. This team’s foundation is laid on the values of brotherhood and the way everyone backs and supports each other in the field is just a reflection of that.

“We are very thankful to our fans on their continuous support. We have seen houseful matches in Home of Qalandars where the crowd turns out in large numbers to support us. We cannot wait to repay their faith with another title.”

For the first half of the HBL PSL 8, Multan Sultans dominated the points table by rolling over oppositions at their home. Though, they have faced more losses than wins since moving out of Multan, Mohammad Rizwan’s side will take heart from the fact that his batting chased down the highest ever HBL PSL and joint-second highest run-chase overall in T20 cricket, recorded the highest HBL PSL team total of 262 in their last group match. Multan Sultans finished second on the points table.

Their young pacers Abbas Afridi (22 wickets at 14.95) and Ihsanullah (20 wickets at 14.60) lead the bowling charts and they have taken the league by storm. They are two of the three bowlers this season to record a five-wicket haul, and Abbas stepped up brilliantly in the last two matches of the Rawalpindi leg to take nine wickets in two matches. Ihsanullah’s rapid pace and immaculate length bowling has made the life of the batter’s difficult throughout the HBL PSL 8. Leg-spinner Usama Mir (12 wickets at 25.41) has been instrumental in the middle-overs and has shown glimpses of how handy he can be as a tailender.

In the batting, it has been primarily been the story of two Rs for Multan Sultans. Their captain Rizwan is the tournament’s most successful batter with 483 runs at 145.04 and Rossouw is fourth on the list of the highest run-getters with 388 runs at 176.36. Right-handed opener Usman Khan turned heads in Multan Sultans’ last group match with the fastest century of the tournament history when he crossed the 100-run barrier in only 36 balls and laid the platform for his side to post a score as massive as 262. This goes on to show the level of depth that this side has in their ranks.

Mohammad Rizwan: “The first half of the tournament went really well for us and then we lost the way in between. But, I am very happy with how we have made a comeback strongly and ensured that we qualify for the Playoffs.

“We enter the Playoffs with some great fighting spirit and that is what is needed towards the backend of a tournament like the HBL PSL. You need to have that confidence that you can bounce back from any situation and that record run chase and then exceptional performances from our youngsters like Usman Khan, Abbas Afridi and Ihsanullah have instilled believe in us that we can comeback from anywhere. We are eyeing our third consecutive HBL PSL final now, and, with the help of Allah Almighty, we will try to lift the trophy this time.”

Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi will meet in the first Eliminator on Thursday and the team that loses will get knocked out of the event. The winner will face the loser of the Qualifier on Friday.

It has been another good year for Islamabad United – the only team to have lifted the HBL PSL title twice. They have won six matches in the league stage, but their all-out attacking approach has also seen them crash and burn in the three games that they lost. Their only outing in Multan was marred by 52-run defeat before Lahore Qalandars subjected them to the heaviest defeats by 110 runs in Lahore and 119 runs in Rawalpindi.

That Faheem Ashraf (210 at 147.88) and Hasan Ali (12 wickets at 21.66) have hit the purple patch bodes well for the Shadab Khan-captained side. Azam Khan has been at his destructive best and the hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter has smashed 280 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 162.79.

They have a well-knit unit of T20 specialists that has a potential to go all the way and Islamabad United will fancy their chances of winning the coveted title for the third time.

Shadab Khan: “It has been an exciting season for us, but now we are focused on what lays ahead. As a captain, I am pleased at how the players have performed and especially at how youngsters have raised their hands in tough situations. The results are not something you can control, but as a team, it is important to remain consistent in your processes and know what you are playing for.

“I am pretty confident with our chances. We have lifted the HBL PSL trophy twice and there is no doubt that we can do it for the third time.”

Peshawar Zalmi were the last side to book a spot in the Playoffs, but that does not mean that there are any qualms about their ability to challenge either of the three sides left in the tournament. They have struck gold by promoting youngster Saim Ayub to the top of the order and have produced one of the most elegant and effective opening pairs. Saim and Babar Azam have opened in three matches together and have already produced a partnership of over 150 and over 100 that also at telling run rates.

Saim has struck most half-centuries in the tournament (five in 10 matches) and has accumulated 309 runs at a strike rate of 167. Their captain Babar, who scored his maiden HBL PSL century this season, sits second on the list of the players with most runs with 416 at 146.47. Youngsters Mohammad Haris and Haseebullah with Tom Kohler-Cadmore provide firepower to the middle-order, but that they have allowed the oppositions to chase totals of over 240 in consecutive games is a matter of concern.

Wahab Riaz, with nine wickets in as many matches, has been their most prolific bowler, but they will happily bank on the experience of the pacer to deliver goods in the Playoffs, with other pacers in Arshad Iqbal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aamir Jamal, Jimmy Neeshan playing supporting role.

Babar Azam: “I am very happy to see how the youngsters in Peshawar Zalmi have stepped up and made their potential known to the world. Saim Ayub, Muhammad Haris, Haseebullah and Arshad Iqbal have been outstanding and I am backing them to continue to perform and deliver in the Playoffs.

“While our batting has done wonderfully well, we need to fix some of the loopholes in our bowling department and I am sure that we will also emerge as a strong bowling unit in Lahore.”

Playoff fixtures (all matches at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and begin at 1900):

Wednesday – Qualifier – Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans

Thursday – Eliminator 1 – Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi

Friday – Eliminator 2 – Loser Qualifier v Winner Eliminator 1

Sunday – Final – Winner Qualifier v Winner Eliminator 2

[MenInG]

Both sides unable to train today - Not sure how that will effect their performance.

[msb314]

Both sides unable to train today - Not sure how that will affect their performance.

What was the reason?

[Firebat]

What was the reason?

Due to the disruption in Lahore today I believe. Probably could not reach the stadium.

[JibranAnsari]

Sold my ticket , my heart not in todays game anymore.

[Rana]

Sold my ticket , my heart not in todays game anymore.

Someone else bought it, so someone else’s heart is

[JibranAnsari]

Someone else bought it, so someone else’s heart is

Yes hope they enjoy.

[Omer2002]

what is the issue I mean what is going on in Lahore

[MenInG]

The game is being held at a time when the country is going to the dogs.

The game will be held but my advice to anyone in Lahore is not to go there. Watch it on TV, because getting stuck on the roads for hours is not worth it.

Back to the game..

I expect the game to have very little intensity - they probably want to get it over with and move on.

[msb314]

The game is being held at a time when the country is going to the dogs.

The game will be held but my advice to anyone in Lahore is not to go there. Watch it on TV, because getting stuck on the roads for hours is not worth it.

Back to the game..

I expect the game to have very little intensity - they probably want to get it over with and move on.

We don’t follow the one advice we give to our parosis- which is to keep sports and politics SEPARATE!

The political unrest is unlikely to have a practical impact on people’s livelihoods so would still expect many people to show up. Both teams should absolutely be fired up for a chance to reach the PSL Final. The outside “noise” needs to be filtered out

[MenInG]

Both teams have arrived

[Firebat]

Multan Sultans win the toss and opt to bat first

[SM1989]

Multan Sultans win the toss and opt to bat first

Well Lahore should just forfeit the match here… they can’t chase

[Rana]

Let’s see if Rizwan is brave enough to face Shaheen first ball or he will use Usman as a shield

[PakPremi]

Shaheen defined as an Allrounder lol.

[Cric1234]

Well Lahore should just forfeit the match here… they can’t chase

A streak is there to be broken today Lahore can win chasing.

[m.shah]

Why is there no crowd today?

[Rana]

Nice batting on the off

[Rana]

Just get on with it Rizwan!

[PakPremi]

Why is there no crowd today?

Disruption in Lahore due to Imran capture attempts.

[Rana]

Freebie runs by Zaman

[PakEngFan]

Usman khan against pace makes shoaib Malik look the greatest batsmen against pace.

[zarak]

what is the pitch like. 240 type

[Rana]

Average powerplay

[Savak]

Crowd looks low. People of Lahore are shook up by what happened at Zaman Park

[zarak]

Average powerplay

poor if it is like Pindi style pitch. Acceptable if it is a 170 par pitch

[Rana]

This is like watching Azhar Ali and Ahmad Shahzad batting

[msb314]

Poor from Usman today

[Rana]

Nick Knight and Urooj doing their best to make this start look good. Whilst Doull is having none of it

[Rana]

Poor from Usman today

More intent than Rizwan at least

[zarak]

Usman tried. Intent was okay he just was not good enough

[Champ_Pal]

Usman Khan getting out is a blessing in disguise for MS. He was sucking the life out of the match.

[Cric1234]

Future Pakistan captain Shan Masood can’t even get into his domestic team.

[Rana]

I would hold back Rashid after this over and get some overs of Raza and Weise through

[Rana]

Usman Khan getting out is a blessing in disguise for MS. He was sucking the life out of the match.

Rizwan 23 off 18

[Champ_Pal]

Very poor start. One of these 2 must look to score a big century to get past 200+ from here. This is a good batting track from the looks of it.

[boomboomcheema]

This the same Usman Khan raining Sixes that day very ordinary performance today.

[PakEngFan]

Rizwan 23 off 18

That’s better than usman who looked hopeless against pace. Try again.

[PakEngFan]

This the same Usman Khan raining Sixes that day very ordinary performance today.

As I said he an awful batsmen.

[Rana]

So much pressure built up after a mundane powerplay

[PakPremi]

So one of Doull's big boys depart after wasting balls and one flukey 6.

[PakPremi]

So much pressure built up after a mundane powerplay

There was no pressure at all 46 on this pitch is goodish start and only one wicket lost too.

[Rana]

So one of Doull's big boys depart after wasting balls and one flukey 6.

What is he supposed to do when the opener wants to take singles??

[PakPremi]

What is he supposed to do when the opener wants to take singles??

Play like a big boy.

[zarak]

What is he supposed to do when the opener wants to take singles??

he did play 11 balls to Riz 21, could have done something other than a top edge six. Poor innings.

[Cric1234]

That’s better than usman who looked hopeless against pace. Try again.

A 36 ball hundred is something Rizwan will never get think about that aswell.

[Rana]

Play like a big boy.

He is the big boy

He has played 160 games straight. Ranked number 2

Why is he playing like a timid cat???

[Champ_Pal]

Looks like MS will end up with 150. Easy Peasy for LQ.

Pollard is washed up. He cannot hit like he used to and he is a terrible runner between the wickets. He is living off of his past reputation.

Tim David should have come in Pollard's place.

[zaidihusain]

Rizwan is playing like a lone warrior

[Rana]

Going nowhere here

Rashid still has 2 overs

Shaheen fully on top of the game

[Rana]

Rizwan is playing like a lone warrior

Hahahahaha at the fall of 2 wickets??

[PakEngFan]

A 36 ball hundred is something Rizwan will never get think about that aswell.

Rizwan can get into 11 of international teams while usman khan left Pakistan because he found 2nd 11 cricket hard. Try again.

[Firebat]

Rizwan's last boundary was in the 3rd over, on his 5th ball.

[Champ_Pal]

Short and wide. Pollard slaps it for a single

[Rana]

Weise knows how to bowl in middle overs

Brilliant spell this

[Cric1234]

Rizwan can get into 11 of international teams while usman khan left Pakistan because he found 2nd 11 cricket hard. Try again.

He still won’t get a 36 ball hundred come back when he does.

[PakEngFan]

He still won’t get a 36 ball hundred come back when he does.

Neither did you idol umer akmal. Try again. In fact he’s never got a t20 hundred I believe.

[Omer2002]

Lahore normally choke when chasing but there needs to be a good score on board first

[Champ_Pal]

Feels more like an ODI than a T20.

[Rana]

What a world class innings

[Rana]

Beasaaautufil

Rest Kar Rizwan Rest kar!

[msb314]

I hate these type of pitches..

[Omer2002]

bowled emmmmm

[Champ_Pal]

Pathetic innings from Rizwan comes to an end.

Pllard needs to discover his youth and take MS to a respectable score. Its all on him and David.

[Asif321]

Good for multan rizwan is out

[zarak]

He still won’t get a 36 ball hundred come back when he does.

This is a bit of a myth he obviously has the skills but he plays calculated which is why his strike rate is low and average is high. If he played loose I am sure once in his life he would get a 36 ball hundred, or something close to it (maybe 40-41)

[Rana]

Love it Doully

[Champ_Pal]

They need to hit Weise out of the attack. He is trundling at 115k's and they are playing like he is prime Waqar.

[Omer2002]

Go on Dhoully cussing everybody which is great

[zarak]

is everyone struggling

[Rana]

is everyone struggling

Nothing in the wicket

[Darkrai]

let's see if the nukes can bat fast.

[Cric1234]

Neither did you idol umer akmal. Try again. In fact he’s never got a t20 hundred I believe.

He did 90 of 40 balls in a World Cup vs Australia a match winning innings come back when Rizwan does that whose had many chances in the last year but couldn’t do it.

[Cric1234]

This is a bit of a myth he obviously has the skills but he plays calculated which is why his strike rate is low and average is high. If he played loose I am sure once in his life he would get a 36 ball hundred, or something close to it (maybe 40-41)

He doesn’t he can’t power hit through the innings hence why he’s played a number of match losing innings in knockouts and series deciders.

[Justcrazy]

Multan Sultan needs some big overs here

[zarak]

He doesn’t he can’t power hit through the innings hence why he’s played a number of match losing innings in knockouts and series deciders.

did he not score a 100 of 60 odd balls and the last 50 was of 15 odd balls. So obviously when in sync on a flat wicket against week bowling he can.

My point was not that he is a good player. I was just saying that he could probably play an innings like Usman

[Justcrazy]

Rashid Khan is number one bowler in 20 20 , he rarely gets expensive.

[Rana]

Rubbish spell by Zaman today

[Justcrazy]

SIXXX

David hits that out .