Shahzad wrecks Sultans as Gladiators secure 10-wicket win

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad delivered a sensational performance with figures of 4-23 in four overs as Quetta Gladiators crushed Multan Sultans by 10 wickets in a crucial HBL PSL X match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Tuesday.

With the win, Quetta climbed to second on the points table with eight points from six matches. This marked their fourth victory of the tournament.

Khurram tore through the Sultans’ top order, restricting them to a dismal 89 all out—their lowest total in PSL history. Their previous lowest was 101 against Karachi Kings on Feb. 26, 2023.

Gladiators chased down the target in just 6.5 overs without losing a wicket.

New Zealand’s Finn Allen blasted 45 off 21 balls, hitting five sixes and two fours. Captain Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 42 from 20 balls, smashing four sixes and three boundaries.

The match was played before a sparse crowd, but the intensity was high. Quetta captain Saud Shakeel’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid off, as the pitch offered significant bounce and early assistance to pacers.

Multan skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who opened the innings, carried his bat and remained not out on 44 off 44 deliveries, including three fours and a six. He watched helplessly from the non-striker's end as his teammates fell around him.

Only one other batsman, Usama Mir (11), reached double figures. He struck a six and a four in a brief six-ball cameo.

Khurram’s fiery spell saw him remove Yasir Khan (5), Usman Khan (0), Kamran Ghulam (4), and Curtis Campher (4), leaving Sultans reeling at 20-4 by the fourth over.

Faheem Ashraf followed up with key wickets, dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed (6) and Michael Bracewell (0) in quick succession. Mohammad Wasim Jr. took 2-18, removing David Willey (7) and wrapping up the innings by bowling out Ubaid Shah (1).

Usama Mir was run out, while Mohammad Hasnain (2) also fell to a run-out. The Sultans were all out in just 17 overs.

Khurram’s aggressive and accurate bowling was the game-changer. He kept the Sultans under constant pressure, and they never recovered.

Multan now find themselves on the brink of elimination with just two points from seven matches. They need a miracle to stay in playoff contention, with only three games remaining.