LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League enters its crucial middle phase as third-placed Lahore Qalandars look to avenge their recent defeat when they face bottom-ranked Multan Sultans in match 16 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday (today).
The last time these teams met just four days ago, the Sultans pulled off a commanding 33-run victory despite their otherwise disappointing campaign. That result tightened an already close head-to-head record that currently stands at 10-9 in Lahore’s favor from their 19 previous encounters.
Lahore Qalandars come into this match with solid momentum in their title defence campaign. Captain Shaheen Afridi has marshaled his resources effectively, with their explosive batting lineup and pace attack proving particularly formidable at their home ground. Their previous loss to Multan represents a rare stumble in what has otherwise been a consistent tournament.
Multan Sultans (6th position) have endured a difficult season thus far, securing just one victory – their recent triumph over these same Qalandars. Captain Mohammad Rizwan has been their sole consistent performer, and they’ll be desperate to build on their previous success to kickstart a late tournament revival.
Lahore Qalandars will most probably reply on Sam Billings, the English wicketkeeper-batsman who found his rhythm in recent matches and looks increasingly comfortable in the middle order. Daryll Mitchell, the Kiwi batsman has accumulated 144 runs in just 4 innings at a strike rate exceeding 150, including one half-century will be bolstering their approach and Shaheen Afridi, the captain himself with a dual threat with bat and ball was exemplified in last season’s nail-biting final against these same opponents, where his 44 off 15 balls proved decisive. With the same approach they are a force to reckon with.
As of Multan Sultans, their skipper Mohammad Rizwan has been in sublime form despite his team’s struggles, amassing 226 runs in 5 innings at an average above 55. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan demolished Lahore’s bowling attack in their previous meeting with a blistering 87 off just 36 deliveries. And Usama Mir, the spinner has proven his worth in this fixture before, once claiming a PSL record 6/40 against Lahore. With provided resources, Sultans can bounce back anytime.