Multan Sultans return to top of PSL table with win over Quetta Gladiators

LAHORE: Multan Sultans defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night to move back to the top of the Pakistan Super League 2026 points table.

The Sultans produced a strong all-round display after opting to bowl first, restricting Quetta Gladiators to 166/7 in their 20 overs before reaching the target at 167/4 in 17.3 overs, with 15 balls remaining.

Quetta, sent in to bat, posted what appeared to be a competitive total on a surface suited to batting, but Multan’s bowlers kept the innings under control through regular wickets. Saud Shakeel led the scoring for Quetta with 56 off 41 balls, while Bevon Jacobs remained unbeaten on 49 from 31 deliveries.

Mohammad Nawaz was named player of the match after taking 3-30, while Arafat Minhas claimed 2-14. Their work in the middle overs helped prevent Quetta from building momentum late in the innings and kept the total within reach.

In response, Multan made a rapid start to the chase. Steven Smith scored 53 off 35 balls and shared a 71-run opening partnership with Sahibzada Farhan, who made 32 from just 14 balls before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph.

The brisk opening stand put Multan in control early. Josh Philippe then added 18, while Shan Masood guided the chase with an unbeaten 46 off 30 balls as the Sultans completed the pursuit without any major trouble.

Multan’s decision to field first proved effective as their attack used both pace and spin well in the conditions. Although Quetta showed resistance through Shakeel’s half-century and Jacobs’ unbeaten contribution, they were unable to put together enough substantial partnerships after early setbacks.

The result gave Multan their third win in four matches and lifted them back to the top of the standings. It also came as a response after their only defeat of the season.

Quetta Gladiators, meanwhile, remained in the lower half of the table after losing three of their four matches. Their innings did not gather enough pace in the closing stages, and their bowling attack was unable to apply sustained pressure during Multan’s chase.

Scoreboard:

Quetta Gladiators 166/7 (20 overs): Saud Shakeel 56, Bevon Jacobs 49*; Mohammad Nawaz 3-30, Arafat Minhas 2-14.

Multan Sultans 167/4 (17.3 overs): Steven Smith 53, Shan Masood 46*; Hasan Nawaz 2-17, Saud Shakeel 1-25.

Multan Sultans won by six wickets.