In a ruthless display of power and precision, Quetta Gladiators dismantled Multan Sultans in what is now recorded as one of the most dominant performances in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history. With a thumping 10-wicket win, led by standout performances from Khurram Shahzad, Saud Shakeel, and Finn Allen, the Gladiators etched their name into the PSL record books while pushing the 2021 champions Multan Sultans to the edge of elimination.
This match wasn’t just a win—it was a complete annihilation, sending a strong message to the rest of the league. From start to finish, the Gladiators were in control, first with the ball and then with the bat, racing to chase down a meager target of 90 in just 6.5 overs, the fastest 10-wicket chase in PSL history.
Bowling Brilliance: Shahzad Wrecks the Top Order
The destruction began with Khurram Shahzad, whose opening spell left Multan gasping for breath. In just 11 balls, he claimed four wickets, decimating the Sultans’ top order. His figures of 4 for 23 were a testament to his lethal mix of swing, pace, and intelligent variations.
Shahzad struck early, dismissing Yasir Khan with a full, swinging delivery. The carnage continued with Curtis Campher trapped plumb in front by another sharp inswinger. In between, Usman Khan threw his wicket away with a reckless shot, and Kamran Ghulam nicked off to slip, unable to handle the movement off the pitch.
At that point, Multan found themselves floundering at 20 for 4, a disastrous start from which they never recovered. The rest of the Gladiators’ bowling unit kept the pressure tight, leaving no room for escape.
Mid-Innings Collapse: No Respite from the Gladiators
Faheem Ashraf joined the party with a double strike, removing Iftikhar Ahmed and Michael Bracewell in quick succession, tightening the screws further on a struggling Multan lineup. Mohammad Wasim Jr. cleaned up the tail, aided by Multan’s own chaos—two run-outs caused by Mohammad Rizwan‘s desperate attempts to retain strike only compounded the misery.
Multan’s final score of 89 all out was a reflection of both Quetta’s ruthless bowling attack and the Sultans’ self-inflicted wounds. Despite carrying his bat for 44 not out, Rizwan’s innings lacked momentum and support. The rest of the lineup collapsed around him in spectacular fashion.
Opening Onslaught: Shakeel and Allen Seal the Deal
Any hopes Multan had of a bowling miracle were quickly dashed by Saud Shakeel and Finn Allen, who launched a relentless assault on the Sultans’ bowlers. Their unbroken opening stand of 90 runs in 6.5 overs not only secured the win but also shattered previous PSL records.
Allen led the charge with an unbeaten 45 off just 23 balls, laced with five boundaries and three massive sixes. Shakeel was equally destructive, smashing 42 not out off 18 deliveries, blending finesse with power as he manipulated the field with elegant ramps and forceful pulls.
In the third over, Allen tore into David Willey, dispatching him for two sixes and a four, setting the tone for what was to come. Shakeel followed suit, taking 13 runs off Mohammad Hasnain in the fourth over, making it clear that the chase would be over in a flash.
A Powerplay to Remember
By the end of the powerplay, Quetta had already amassed 74 runs, needing just 16 more to win. Hasnain’s final over in the powerplay leaked 19 runs, as the Gladiators batted with fearless aggression. Ubaid Shah, Multan’s teenage pace sensation, found no answers as Shakeel ramped him over fine leg and then carved him for boundaries with ease.
Five balls after the fielding restrictions ended, Allen sealed the match with a towering straight six over Usama Mir, capping off the fastest 10-wicket chase by balls remaining in PSL history—a staggering 3.1 overs to spare.
Multan’s PSL Hopes Hang by a Thread
This defeat leaves the Multan Sultans in dire straits, having now lost six of their last seven matches. With a dismal net run rate of -2.355, their playoff chances are all but gone. The team looks demoralized, their strategies scattered, and their execution poor.
The 2021 champions came into this edition hoping to reclaim former glory, but underwhelming performances and chaotic collapses have left them teetering on the edge. The leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, while steady at the crease, hasn’t been enough to inspire a turnaround on the field.
Even Rizwan’s admission after the match—that they would have bowled first too due to pitch uncertainty—highlights the lack of clarity and confidence in the Sultans’ camp. In contrast, Shakeel and Allen made batting look effortless on the very same surface, exposing how far apart the two sides truly were in both form and mindset.
Gladiators Roar Back Into Contention
For the Quetta Gladiators, this match was more than just a win—it was a statement of intent. The team has been searching for momentum this season, and this victory could be the turning point. With Shahzad, Shakeel, and Allen firing on all cylinders, the Gladiators have injected new life into their campaign.
The bowling unit appears well-rounded and aggressive, with Ashraf, Wasim, and Shahzad combining for a deadly trio. Meanwhile, the batting—at least in this outing—looked invincible.
With such a commanding performance, the Gladiators have also received a significant boost to their net run rate, which could be crucial in a tightly contested points table. More importantly, they’ve given themselves and their fans a reason to believe that a playoff push is still within reach.
Conclusion: A Game of Contrasts
The clash between Quetta Gladiators and Multan Sultans was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. On one hand, the Gladiators executed their plans to perfection, with Shahzad, Shakeel, and Allen leading the charge in a comprehensive team effort. On the other, the Sultans crumbled under pressure, plagued by poor decision-making and a lack of support for their captain.
As the PSL season progresses, the Gladiators look to carry this momentum forward, while the Sultans are left searching for answers—and perhaps already planning for next year.
