In a high scoring thriller Multan Sultans have smashed Lahore Qalandars by five Wickets and chased a target of 207 runs successfully.
Mohammad Rizwan led Sultans chased down 207 in the final over as Khushdil Shah smacked 18 off the first four balls to end the game.
Earlier, Rizwan opted to bowl first again but the bowlers didn’t execute the same performance as the first game.
Sultans were taken to the cleaners by Fakhar Zaman who was aggressive from the ball one. Qalandars raced to 67 in the powerplay. Fakhar reached fifty in just 22 balls.
On the other hand, veteran Imran Tahir provided the first breakthrough for Sultans. He removed debutant Abdullah Shafique (24) who looked to charge after facing 21 balls.
But Kamran Ghulam tried to replicate Fakhar and struck a boundary on the first ball. Fakhar walked back later after scoring 35-ball 76. He stroked 11 fours and two sixes.
Meanwhile, Qalandars slowed down a bit as wickets fell quickly. Kamran scored 31-ball 43 but David Wiese (13 off 5 balls) and Rashid Khan (17 off 4 balls) ended the proceedings on a high. Shaheen Shah’s side finished on 206/5 in 20 overs.
Sultans opening duo of Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan didn’t look in hassle at the start but opened their arm and took on the bowlers from the third over.
Both looked comfortable and scored 66 off the powerplay. Shan reached fifty and continued his strokeplay while Rizwan chipped in singles and trusted Shan to attack the bowlers.
They registered a 150-run stand until Rashid Khan dismissed Shan to pull things back. The left-handed stroked fourteen fours and a six in his 50-ball 83. He was also handed Player of the Match later.
Qalandars’ captain Shaheen removed Rizwan after getting hit for a six. Sohaib Maqsood looked set to complete the chase but there was a twist in the tale as Sultans lost Sohaib in the 19th over to Shaheen.
But Khushdil had other plans as he smashed three fours and a six off Haris and finished the game with ease.
Sultans are now at the top of the table with two wins in two matches. They will take on Quetta Gladiators on January 31 while Qalandars face rivals Karachi Kings tomorrow night.