LAHORE (AM Khan): Riding high on back-to-back victories, Quetta Gladiators will aim to extend their winning streak when they face bottom-placed Multan Sultans today (Tuesday) in the 18th match of HBL PSL 10 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The contest, set for an 8:00 pm start, carries significant playoff implications for both sides.
Quetta Gladiators have found form at a crucial stage, registering three wins from five matches to sit comfortably third on the points table. Their latest triumph was a resounding 64-run demolition of Peshawar Zalmi, where a complete team effort shone through. The top five batters all made vital contributions, propelling them to a competitive 178-7 before Faheem Ashraf’s sensational five-wicket haul (5-33) sealed a commanding victory.
In contrast, Multan Sultans have endured a torrid campaign, winning just once in six outings. Despite posting big totals, including two 200-plus scores, their persistent bowling frailties have cost them dearly. Their latest setback came against Lahore Qalandars, where Mohammad Rizwan’s composed 76 and Kamran Ghulam’s blistering 52* powered them to 185/3, only for their bowlers to squander the advantage and lose inside 19 overs.
Multan now find themselves anchored at the bottom of the standings, and today’s clash is nothing short of a must-win if they are to revive their playoff hopes. The Sultans are expected to ring changes, particularly in the bowling department, in a bid to find a more effective combination. On the other hand, Quetta’s settled and balanced unit looks unlikely to make any major alterations. With a well-performing top order and a bowling attack spearheaded by an in-form Faheem Ashraf, the Gladiators enter this fixture as clear favorites.
Key players to watch include Multan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan, whose consistency with the bat remains vital to his team’s fortunes, and Kamran Ghulam, whose middle-order contributions have provided rare bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign. For Quetta, Faheem Ashraf’s all-round prowess continues to offer vital balance, complemented by the collective form of their top five batters, making them a formidable opponent.
While Multan boast individual brilliance and the pedigree of former champions, their collective performances have been inconsistent. In stark contrast, Quetta’s momentum, depth, and cohesion across batting and bowling departments give them a decisive edge. Victory today would allow the Gladiators to further solidify their position in the top half of the table, while Multan’s fading playoff aspirations hinge desperately on producing a complete performance to upset the odds.
English