Steven Smith’s maiden PSL fifty and spin attack power Sultans to a convincing six-wicket victory
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Multan Sultans climbed back to the top of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) points table with a clinical six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Chasing a modest target of 167, the Sultans wrapped up the game comfortably in just 17.3 overs, thanks to a blistering start and controlled middle-order batting.
Steven Smith starred with his maiden PSL half-century, setting the tone early alongside Sahibzada Farhan. The duo unleashed an aggressive assault in the powerplay, racing to 63 runs in just four overs and bringing up their 50-run partnership in only 3.2 overs. By the end of the powerplay, Multan had surged to 83 for 1, matching their record for the highest powerplay score this season.
With the required rate well under control, the Sultans shifted gears smartly. Shan Masood anchored the chase with a composed 40* off 36 balls, ensuring there were no late hiccups after Smith’s dismissal via a sharp relay catch at the boundary.
Earlier in the match, Multan’s spin-heavy strategy proved decisive. Opting to bowl spin from both ends on a batting-friendly pitch raised eyebrows, but the move paid off handsomely. The spinners bowled 16 overs, conceding just 91 runs while picking up all six wickets. Arafat Minhas led the charge with impressive figures of 2 for 14, while Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with three crucial wickets.
Quetta Gladiators struggled early, losing two wickets within the first 2.1 overs. However, Saud Shakeel (56 off 41) and Hasan Nawaz steadied the innings with a 55-run partnership. Their resistance was eventually broken by sharp wicketkeeping and disciplined bowling.
Late contributions from Bevon Jacobs (49* off 31) and a quickfire cameo from Ahmed Daniyal pushed Gladiators to 166, but the total was always below par on a high-scoring surface.
With this win— their third in four matches—Multan Sultans reaffirm their status as strong contenders in PSL 2026, showcasing a perfect blend of aggressive batting and tactical bowling.
