In the opening match of the 2023 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Lahore Qalandars secured a victory against Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Despite Khushdil Shah’s valiant efforts for the Sultans, striking four boundaries, the Qalandars were able to hold off the chase and secure the win.
The Sultans were off to a strong start, thanks to a 100-run partnership from their opening batsmen, Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood.
Rizwan hit his 13th fifty in the PSL and both he and Masood provided a commanding presence at the crease, not allowing the Qalandar bowlers to overpower them.
However, Hussain Talat broke the partnership by sending Masood back to the pavilion after scoring 35 runs in 31 balls.
Rizwan was later bowled by Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, after scoring 75 runs in 50 balls, bringing the Sultans’ score to 131-2.
The Qalandars were able to regain control of the match with the help of their captain, Shah Afridi, and his bowling partner Haris Rauf.
Shah Afridi provided the much-needed breakthrough and Rauf delivered a fantastic over, clean bowling South African David Miller, who was known for his powerful hitting, with a blistering yorker.
Overall, the match was a well-fought contest, with both teams putting in a strong effort.
However, it was the Qalandars who ultimately came out on top, securing their victory in the opening match of the PSL 8 by 1 run
