Mitchell, Raza power Qalandars to thrilling win over Sultans

LAHORE: Daryl Mitchell and Sikandar Raza coordinated a spectacular run chase as Lahore Qalandars defeated Multan Sultans by five wickets in the 16th match of Pakistan Super League 2025 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a formidable Multan’s 185, Lahore Qalandars reached 186 for five with six balls to spare, thanks largely to a game-changing 89-run partnership between Mitchell and Raza that came off just 41 deliveries.

Mitchell smashed 64 off 38 balls with four boundaries and four sixes, while Raza remained unbeaten on 40 from 21 balls, hammering two fours and four sixes in a blistering counterattack that turned the match decisively in Lahore’s favor.

The chase didn’t begin smoothly for the Qalandars, losing Mohammad Naeem early for just 6 runs in the second over. Fakhar Zaman provided some momentum with a brisk 28 off 22 balls, including three fours and two sixes, before falling in the seventh over with the score at 45.

Abdullah Shafique steadied the innings with a composed 34 off 25 balls, featuring two boundaries and two sixes. His 49-run third-wicket partnership with Mitchell laid the foundation before Sam Billings departed for a duck, leaving Lahore at a risky 95 for 4.

That’s when Mitchell shifted gears and found an able partner in Raza. The duo’s onslaught began during the strategic timeout, taken when Lahore were 93 for 2 in 11 overs. Post-timeout, they accelerated remarkably, reaching their 50-run partnership in just 22 balls.

Mitchell brought up his half-century off 32 balls before falling in the 19th over with victory in sight. Asif Ali (1 not out) joined Raza to complete the formalities as Lahore crossed the finish line with an over to spare.

Earlier, Multan Sultans posted 185 for three after being asked to bat first. Captain Mohammad Rizwan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 76 off 48 balls, while Kamran Ghulam provided the late fireworks with 52 not out off 31 deliveries. Their unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 115 runs proved crucial in setting a challenging target.

The Sultans’ innings had received early impetus from Yasir Khan’s quickfire 24 off 18 balls and Usman Khan’s 18 off 14 deliveries. For Lahore, Tom Curran was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 1 for 24, while Haris Rauf and Daryl Mitchell claimed a wicket each.

In the Qalandars’ bowling effort, Ubaid Shah emerged as the most successful bowler with 2 for 34, while Mohammad Hasnain (1-30), Josh Little (1-43), and Akif Javed (1-42) shared the remaining wickets.

The victory boosts Lahore Qalandars’ position in the PSL 2025 standings as the tournament enters its crucial middle phase, with teams jostling for playoff positions.