Sultans Cruise Past Gladiators with Smith Brilliance and Nawaz Magic
LAHORE: A brilliant all-round performance, highlighted by Mohammad Nawaz’s three-wicket spell and a commanding half-century from Steve Smith, powered Multan Sultans to a convincing six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the 13th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 167, the Sultans made it look straightforward, reaching the total with four wickets down and 15 balls remaining.
The chase began aggressively, with Sahibzada Farhan and Smith putting together a rapid 71-run opening stand in just five overs. Farhan played a fiery cameo, scoring 32 off 14 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Alzarri Joseph.
Soon after, Josh Philippe departed for 18, dismissed by Saud Shakeel, leaving the Sultans at 96/2.
Smith then found solid support in Shan Masood, with the pair adding a quick 40 runs to bring the target within easy reach. Smith led from the front with an entertaining 53 off 35 balls, decorated with seven fours and a six, before being dismissed by Hasan Nawaz.
Hasan struck again shortly after, removing Arafat Minhas, but Masood held his nerve till the end. The skipper guided his side home with an unbeaten 46 from 30 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.
For the Gladiators, Hasan Nawaz was the most effective bowler with figures of 2/17, while Joseph and Shakeel picked up a wicket each.
Earlier, Sultans captain Ashton Turner opted to bowl first—a decision that paid off as Quetta Gladiators were restricted to 166/7.
The Gladiators had a troubled start, losing Khawaja Nafay and Shamyl Hussain early with only 15 runs on the board.
A recovery was attempted through a 55-run partnership between Hasan Nawaz (20) and skipper Saud Shakeel, but Minhas broke the stand in the 10th over and then removed Rilee Rossouw on the very next delivery, putting Gladiators under pressure at 72/4.
Shakeel, however, anchored the innings and stitched another valuable stand—this time with Bevon Jacobs—adding 47 runs for the fifth wicket. The captain eventually departed for a composed 56 off 41 balls, striking six fours and a six.
Nawaz returned to deliver a crucial blow by dismissing Tom Curran cheaply, further denting the Gladiators’ momentum.
Jacobs remained unbeaten on 49 off 31 deliveries, narrowly missing a half-century, with his innings featuring four fours and three sixes.
With the ball, Nawaz led the charge for the Sultans with figures of 3/30, while Minhas claimed two wickets. Turner also chipped in with one, ensuring the Gladiators never truly broke free.
