PSL 2025: Yasir Khan Shines as Multan Sultans Outclass Lahore Qalandars in High-Scoring Thriller
Match Summary:
Multan Sultans: 228/5 (20 overs)
- Yasir Khan 87 (44)
- Iftikhar Ahmed 40* (18)
- Usman Khan 39 (24)
Lahore Qalandars: 195/9 (20 overs)
- Sikandar Raza 50* (27)
- Sam Billings 43 (23)
- Fakhar Zaman 32 (14)
Result: Multan Sultans won by 33 runs
Player of the Match: Yasir Khan
Multan, April 22, 2025 — Cricket fans at the Multan Cricket Stadium were treated to a festival of runs, flair, and fireworks as Multan Sultans defeated Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs in the 12th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. On a batting-friendly surface, both sides piled on big scores, but the Sultans, led by an explosive innings from Yasir Khan, proved too strong for the visitors.
First Innings: Multan Sultans Light Up the Night with 228/5
Opting to bat first under lights, the Multan Sultans got off to a dream start thanks to the blistering stroke play of Yasir Khan, who delivered a knock for the ages. Facing just 44 deliveries, Yasir blasted 87 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 197.72, including 6 fours and 6 sixes, sending the crowd into a frenzy and the bowlers into despair.
Yasir was well-supported by captain Mohammad Rizwan, who struck a fluent 32 off 17 balls. Rizwan’s aggressive intent and timely boundaries helped maintain the momentum during the Powerplay.
After Rizwan’s dismissal, Usman Khan carried the innings forward with an aggressive 39 off 24, including five boundaries and a six. Although wickets fell intermittently, including Ashton Turner and Michael Bracewell, the Sultans never let the scoring rate dip below 10 runs per over.
The finishing touches were applied by Iftikhar Ahmed, who turned the game into a demolition job in the death overs. Smashing 40 off just 18 balls, he sent the bowlers to all parts of the ground, hitting 3 fours and 3 sixes at a thunderous strike rate of 222.22.
By the end of 20 overs, Multan Sultans had posted a commanding 228/5, with only three runs coming from extras – a testament to their clean hitting and minimal waste.
Multan Sultans Batting Highlights:
- Yasir Khan: 87 (44) – Player of the Match
- Iftikhar Ahmed: 40* (18)
- Mohammad Rizwan: 32 (17)
- Usman Khan: 39 (24)
- Second Innings: Lahore Qalandars’ Fightback Falls Short
Chasing a daunting target of 229, Lahore Qalandars needed a solid foundation, but they faltered early. Mohammad Naeem was the first to go, followed by Fakhar Zaman, who showed some aggression with a quick 32 off 14 but couldn’t capitalize.
The middle order tried to anchor the chase. Sam Billings played a fine hand with 43 off 23, hitting 2 fours and 4 sixes. However, regular wickets kept denting the chase. Rishad Hossain and Shaheen Shah Afridi fell cheaply, and despite a valiant unbeaten 50 off 27 from Sikandar Raza, Lahore couldn’t get close enough.
Multan Sultans’ bowling unit deserves credit for holding their nerve. Usama Mir and Josh Little picked up crucial wickets, while every bowler contributed in restricting the Qalandars to 195/9 in their 20 overs.
Lahore Qalandars Batting Highlights:
- Sikandar Raza: 50* (27)
- Sam Billings: 43 (23)
- Fakhar Zaman: 32 (14)
Bowling Performance: Teamwork Wins the Day for Multan
While there were no five-wicket hauls, the Multan bowlers worked collectively. Usama Mir and Josh Little picked up two wickets each, while Bracewell, Willey, and Ubaid Shah chipped in with one apiece. Their disciplined lines and clever variations kept the Qalandars from accelerating consistently.
Lahore’s bowlers had a tough outing. Though Rishad Hossain picked up 2 wickets, he conceded 41 runs. The experienced Shaheen Afridi and Asif Afridi also got one wicket each but were expensive.
Key Turning Points of the Match:
- Yasir Khan’s Onslaught in the Powerplay – Set the tone and put Qalandars on the back foot early.
- Iftikhar Ahmed’s Late-Order Carnage – Ensured a massive final total that put scoreboard pressure on Lahore.
- Wickets at Crucial Intervals – Every time Lahore looked to build a partnership, Multan’s bowlers broke through.
What’s Next?
With this emphatic victory, Multan Sultans have made a strong statement in the 2025 season. Yasir Khan’s match-winning performance will certainly keep selectors and opponents watching closely. On the other hand, Lahore Qalandars will need to regroup, especially focusing on their bowling strategy and top-order stability as they prepare for their next clash.
