Hasan Nawaz delivered a stunning unbeaten 67 off 38 balls to lead Quetta Gladiators to a nail-biting two-wicket win over Multan Sultans, clinched on the final delivery. With this thrilling victory, Quetta solidified their top spot in the HBL PSL X points table.
Chasing a challenging 186-run target set by Multan, Quetta started strongly thanks to an explosive 51 off 26 balls from Khawaja Nafay, who smashed five boundaries and four sixes. His quickfire innings gave the Gladiators early momentum, but his dismissal in the eighth over triggered a flurry of wickets.
Multan’s Shahid Aziz played a key role in turning the tide, claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs and removing Nafay, Avishka Fernando, and Faheem Ashraf to put Quetta under pressure at 123/5 after 14 overs.
Just when the Sultans appeared in control, Hasan Nawaz turned the match on its head. He, alongside Faheem, pushed the score to 159 before Faheem’s departure. Despite losing partners at the other end, Nawaz remained composed and anchored the chase with maturity.
With two runs needed off the final ball, Nawaz coolly guided the ball to the boundary, sealing a memorable win for Quetta. His match-winning knock included two fours and six towering sixes.
Earlier, Multan Sultans, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted 185/7 in their final league match. Yasir Khan got them off to a blazing start, hitting multiple boundaries in the opening over. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan fell early to Faheem Ashraf.
Yasir and Jahanzeib Sultan added a steady 52-run partnership before the latter was dismissed for 25. Yasir continued his attacking play, scoring 45 off 25 balls before being dismissed by Usman Tariq, who was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/32.
Tayyab Tahir contributed 36 off 24 balls, while Aamer Azmat chipped in with an unbeaten 21 from 16. Shahid Aziz also added a quick-fire 29 off 14 to boost the total in the closing overs.
Quetta’s bowling was supported by Khurram Shahzad, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Wasim Jr., each picking up a wicket.
Multan Sultans Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), Jahanzeib Sultan, Tayyab Tahir, Humayon Altaf, Yasir Khan, Aamer Azmat, Shahid Aziz, Peter Hatzoglou, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah.
Quetta Gladiators Playing XI: Saud Shakeel (captain), Avishka Fernando, Hasan Nawaz, Dinesh Chandimal (wicketkeeper), Khawaja Nafay, Faheem Ashraf, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Usman Tariq.
