LAHORE, Apr 04 (IN): Lahore Qalandars delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Multan Sultans by 20 runs in a rain-affected match reduced to 13 overs per side at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.After being put in to bat, Qalandars got off to a flying start as Mohammad Naeem and Parvez Hossain Emon unleashed a blistering opening stand, racing to 86 in just 31 balls.
Naeem smashed 60 off 28 deliveries, while Emon struck a rapid 45 off 19 balls, setting the tone for a massive total. Abdullah Shafique added a quickfire 33 as Qalandars posted an imposing 185-5.Despite some late resistance from the Sultans’ bowlers, including efforts by Peter Siddle, Qalandars maintained their momentum, with Sikandar Raza providing a late boost.In reply, Multan Sultans struggled early as Shaheen Shah Afridi led a disciplined bowling attack, supported by Mustafizur Rahman and Ubaid Shah.
The Sultans were reduced to 50-3 and never fully recovered.A fighting 52 not out from captain Ashton Turner and 44 from Shan Masood kept hopes alive, but the required run rate proved too steep. Arafat Minhas also contributed with 25, but Sultans finished on 165-5.With this victory, defending champions Lahore Qalandars handed Multan Sultans their first defeat of the tournament, showcasing their dominance in a high-scoring, rain-hit encounter.
