- Tue, March 15, 2022
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Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars: Yasir Khan Leads Multan to Dominant Victory in PSL 2025
Multan Sultans continued their strong form in the Pakistan Super League 2025 with a commanding 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars in Match 12 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The match was lit up by Yasir Khan’s explosive innings and clinical bowling from Multan, leaving Lahore chasing shadows in a high-scoring thriller. With both teams stacked with star power, it was the home side that stamped their authority on the game.
Multan, opting to bat first, posted a mammoth 228/5 in 20 overs, thanks largely to a stunning 87-run knock by Yasir Khan. Lahore Qalandars, despite some resistance from Sikandar Raza and Sam Billings, could only manage 195/9 in response. Yasir was named Player of the Match for his electrifying performance that set the tone for Multan’s fourth win of the season.
Scorecard:
Multan Sultans: 228/5 (Yasir Khan 87, Iftikhar Ahmed 40*; Rishad Hossain 2-45)
Lahore Qalandars: 195/9 (Sikandar Raza 50*, Sam Billings 43; Ubaid Shah 3-37, Usama Mir 2-26)
Result: Multan Sultans won by 33 runs
Player of the Match: Yasir Khan
Yasir Khan Powers Multan to Massive Total
Yasir Khan made a bold statement with the bat, delivering one of the most entertaining innings of PSL 2025 so far. His 87 off 44 balls, filled with sixes and boundaries, created the foundation for what turned out to be an unassailable score. Facing Lahore’s frontline attack that included Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, Yasir showed no fear, dispatching anything short or full with authority.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan chipped in with a fiery 32 off 17 balls before falling to Asif Afridi, while Usman Khan added a valuable 39. Iftikhar Ahmed provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 40 off just 18 deliveries, including three towering sixes, ensuring that Multan passed the 220-run mark with confidence.
Multan’s Strategy Pays Off with Powerplay Dominance
Choosing to bat first in home conditions, the Multan Sultans made full use of the powerplay, reaching 67 without loss in the first six overs. Lahore’s bowlers struggled to find rhythm as Yasir and Rizwan punished anything off target. Even the experienced Shaheen Afridi couldn’t stem the flow, ending his spell with 1/43.
Rishad Hossain was the pick of the Lahore bowlers, claiming two wickets, including the dangerous Usman Khan and Turner. But overall, the bowling lacked penetration and allowed Multan to dominate every phase of their innings.
Lahore Qalandars Fight Hard but Fall Short in the Chase
Chasing 229 was always going to be a tall order, and Lahore Qalandars were never really ahead of the asking rate. They lost both openers, Mohammad Naeem and Fakhar Zaman, inside the first five overs, putting pressure on the middle order. Abdullah Shafique and Daryl Mitchell offered brief resistance but fell in quick succession.
Sam Billings gave Lahore a glimmer of hope with a blazing 43 off 23, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. Sikandar Raza kept the game alive with an entertaining 50 not out, but it was too little, too late. Multan’s bowlers tightened the screws in the death overs, preventing any late surprises.
Multan’s Bowlers Finish the Job
The bowling unit backed up the batting heroics with a well-rounded effort. Young pacer Ubaid Shah impressed with figures of 3/37, showing control and confidence against a strong batting lineup. Usama Mir spun a web around Lahore’s lower order, picking up two crucial wickets.
Joshua Little and David Willey kept things tight during the middle overs, not allowing Lahore to build partnerships. Even Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with a tidy over, reflecting the depth and balance in Multan’s bowling options.
Rizwan’s Leadership and Tactical Clarity Stand Out
Mohammad Rizwan once again displayed smart leadership, making proactive bowling changes and field placements that kept Lahore under pressure. His trust in the younger bowlers paid off, and his aggressive batting set the tempo early on.
Multan's game plan was clear: attack in the powerplay, consolidate in the middle, and finish strong with bat and ball. Their execution was clinical, and it leaves them in a strong position on the PSL 2025 points table.
Lahore Qalandars Need Rethink After Defeat
For Lahore, this loss will sting. Their batting order looked top-heavy, and they struggled once early wickets fell. The bowlers, except Rishad and Shaheen in patches, failed to apply pressure, and the fielding lacked intensity. With more games ahead, captain Shaheen Afridi will need to rally his team and tighten their strategy.
The Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars match exposed some vulnerabilities in Lahore’s lineup, particularly their middle-order depth and finishing capability. Adjustments will be essential if they are to challenge for a playoff spot.
Conclusion: Multan Sultans Make a Statement in PSL 2025
The Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars clash was more than just a high-scoring affair it was a statement of intent by Multan. Yasir Khan's brilliance, supported by a cohesive team performance, delivered a well-earned win. As PSL 2025 progresses, Multan looks like a team on a mission, blending experience with explosive talent across the board.
For Lahore, it’s back to the drawing board. But in a tournament as unpredictable as the PSL, redemption is always just a game away.
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