Multan Sultans beat Qalandars to qualify for PSL final

LAHORE: Defending champions Multan Sultans became the first team to qualify for the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) seventh edition after defeating Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.

Multan Sultans have handed a 164-run target to Lahore Qalandars in the qualifier after being sent to bat first. Sultans starting off poorly after osing in-form opener Shan Masood cheaply for two, bounced back and went on to post a commendable total.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Rilee Rossouw put on an unbeaten 113-runs partnership. Rilee Rossouw scored blazing 65 runs off 42 balls smacking seven boundaries and a six as Lahore Qalandars applied early pressure. Rizwan played sensibly and according to the situation and scored 53 off 51 balls.

Aamer Azmat scored 33 runs off 22 balls, while Rizwan and Rossuw was sensational as his 65 run inning off 42 balls with seven fours, and one six helped Multan reach 163.m In terms of bowling, Hafeez was sensational with the ball as he registered brilliant figures of 1-16 in four overs.

In response, Lahore Qalanars fell short and managed to score 135 runs. Opener Fakhar Zaman was the higest scorer as he scored 63 runs from 45 balls including 4 sixes. Shahnawaz Dahani grabbed three wickets for just 19 runs.

Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United will face-off in the first Eliminator with the winner to keep their PSL 7 hopes alive. The winner will face the Qalandars to qualify for the final.