PSL 8: Lahore Qalandar won by 1 run against Multan Sultan
The Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans faced off in a thrilling match in the Pakistan Super League 2023. The match was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and was witnessed by a packed stadium of passionate cricket fans. The match was billed as the match of the tournament and it did not disappoint.
The Lahore Qalandars won the toss and elected to field first. Multan Sultans got off to a solid start, with openers James Vince and Adam Lyth putting on a 50-run partnership. However, the Lahore Qalandars bowlers kept chipping away, picking up wickets at regular intervals. The Sultans were eventually dismissed for a total of 179 runs in their 20 overs.
In response, the Lahore Qalandars got off to a poor start, losing both their openers for just 10 runs. However, a remarkable partnership between veteran batsman Mohammad Hafeez and young sensation Salman Mirza steadied the innings. Hafeez and Mirza put on a 100-run partnership and had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
However, just when it seemed like the Lahore Qalandars would cruise to victory, the Multan Sultans fought back with a brilliant display of death bowling. The Sultans managed to pick up three quick wickets, leaving the Qalandars needing 16 runs off the final over. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Multan Sultans’ best bowler, Junaid Khan, took the ball for the final over.
The first ball of the over went for a boundary, bringing the required score down to 12 off 5 balls. The second ball went for a single, leaving 11 needed off 4 balls. The third ball went for a dot, leaving 11 needed off 3 balls. The fourth ball was hit for a six, leaving 5 needed off 2 balls. The fifth ball was a dot, leaving 5 needed off the final ball. The final ball was a nail-biting finish, with Lahore Qalandars needing 5 runs to win. The crowd held their breath as the ball was bowled and the batsman connected, sending the ball soaring over the boundary for a massive six.
The stadium erupted in celebration as the Lahore Qalandars won the match by 1 run. The hero of the match was Salman Mirza, who scored a brilliant 72 not out off just 43 deliveries. He was awarded the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance.
The win was a massive boost for the Lahore Qalandars, who now sit at the top of the table. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Multan Sultans, who will now have to regroup and come back stronger in their next match.
Overall, the match was a true testament to the passion and excitement of T20 cricket. The match had everything – drama, tension, and excitement – and it will be remembered as one of the classic encounters in the Pakistan Super League. The Lahore Qalandars will now look to continue their winning streak and secure a place in the playoffs, while the Multan Sultans will look to bounce back and make a push for the playoffs. Regardless of the outcome, this match will be remembered as one of the greatest games in the history of Pakistani cricket.