Hasan’s heroics help Gladiators sink Sultans

RAWALPINDI: Hasan Nawaz’s (67 not out) sensational innings helped Quetta Gladiators go on top of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) X points table following a nerve wrecking two-wicket win against hapless Multan Sultans at the Pindi Stadium Sunday.

Chasing a decent 186-run winning target, Gladiators required 11 in Mohammad Hasnain’s last over. Despite losing partners at the other end, Hasan kept his cool, striking two sixes, the second one on the last ball to win the day for Quetta.

Hasan struck six sixes and two fours in all during his undeterred 38-ball knock to snatch victory for Quetta. The chase had gone tougher for Quetta when they were left to score 41 off the last 3 overs.

But it was former Lashings Club (Islamabad) batsman Hasan who stood up to the challenge and carried his team to victory. “I started my career with Lashings Club and worked on my technique there. I feel I have good technique especially for white ball cricket,” Hasan said in a post-match media talk.

Earlier, Khawaja Nafay (51) with the help of four sixes and five fours gave a sparkling start to Quetta Gladiators. With the win, Quetta assured their top spot following pool engagements and now they are left to wait for second position finisher against whom they are playing the first qualifier in Lahore on Wednesday.

Shahid Aziz (3-29) was the most impressive of bowlers for Sultans. The day started with tough conditions which slowly got better as the day progressed. Clouds cover late evening helped Sultans fielders and bowlers make the best use of their abilities.

Earlier, Yasir Khan (45) and Tayyab Tahir (36) served Multan when they opted to bat first. Once Mohammad Rizwan (4) lost his wicket cheaply, the duo helped Multan get back on track with responsible innings. Yasir’s 25-ball innings was studded with two sixes and six boundaries. Tayyab also struck three sixes in his innings.

It was, however, all-rounder Shahid Aziz (29) whose 14-ball knock took Sultans score to over 189. The two sixes he struck at the deep end of the innings was a treat to watch.

Orthodox spinner Usman Tariq (3-32) was impressive and so was Mohammad Wasim (1-26) in his four overs. Scores in brief: Multan Sultans 185-7 in 20 overs (Yasir Khan 45, Tayyab Tahir 36, Shahid Aziz 29; Usman Tariq 3-32). Quetta Gladiators 190-8 in 20 overs (Hasan Nawaz 67 not out, Khawaja Nafay 51; Shahid Aziz 3-29). Man of the Match: Hasan Nawaz.