Multan Sultans captain Ashton Turner expressed his amusement after his side’s win against the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11.
The Sultans defeated the Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Turner Praises Team’s Adaptability
Turner praised his team’s adaptability to changing conditions and their all-round performance. He noted that tactical adjustments had been key.
He also stressed the importance of using spin options effectively during the powerplay. Turner credited the positive team environment, highlighting contributions from both overseas and domestic players.
Turner said, “We feel we’ve underutilised our spin in the powerplay. If conditions suit that, it’s a nice option. At the base of it, it’s helpful to have Australians in the camp, but more importantly, we’ve got good people — our domestic players and local support staff. The guys are playing with a smile on their face.”
Sultans’ Bowling Attack Restricts Gladiators
Turner’s decision to bowl first paid off. A spin-heavy bowling attack restricted the 2019 champions to a modest total of 166-7 in their 20 overs.
Saud Shakeel top-scored for the Gladiators with a 41-ball 56, including six fours and a six. Bevon Jacobs remained unbeaten on 49 off 31 deliveries, hitting four fours and three sixes.
Mohammad Nawaz led the Sultans’ bowling charge with figures of three for 30 from four overs. Arafat Minhas took two wickets and Turner chipped in with one.
Multan Sultans Secure Victory
Multan chased down the 167-run target with four wickets in hand and 15 balls to spare. This was courtesy of a blistering half-century from Steve Smith, who made 53 off 35 balls.
Experienced batter Shan Masood applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 46 off 30 deliveries.
For the Gladiators, Hasan Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets for 17 runs in two overs. Alzarri Joseph and captain Saud Shakeel claimed one each.
The six-wicket victory marked the Sultans’ third win in four matches. This lifted them to the top of the PSL 11 standings, above the Karachi Kings.
Both sides have six points, but Multan boast a superior net run rate of 0.588.