Maqsood’s 85 powers Multan past Peshawar
dubai — They were considered the babies of the third HBL Pakistan Super League, but six matches down the line and Multan Sultans seem to have taken giant strides in the tournament. They have put themselves in pole position to make the Playoffs, and, going by their clinical performances, they look firm favourites for the title on March 25 in Karachi.
The debutants opened the tournament on February 22 outplaying Peshawar Zalmi by seven wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. On Tuesday night it was more of a replay as both teams met again at the same venue — but this time the margin of victory for Multan was by only 19 runs — and this after they encountered some nervy moments.
The credit for Multan’s victory goes to Sohaib Maqsood’s explosive innings. The 30-year-old not only hit the highest individual score of 85, but also took Multan Sultans to the highest total of the third edition so far.
With nine points Multan top the table, while Zalmi remain in third spot on 6 points.
Mohammad Hafeez, leading Zalmi in the absence of the injured Darren Sammy, won the toss and elected to field. The move may have backfired as Kumar Sangakkara (28) and Ahmed Shehzad (37) gave Multan a 51-run opening stand. But even at that stage it didn’t look like Multan would reach a total of 183.
It wasn’t until Maqsood arrived at the crease that runs came by the bucketful.
Maqsood got to his 50 off 29 balls after clobbering Umaid Asif for a four and a six. Kieron Pollard joined Maqsood in the middle and they milked some big runs before taking the team to 183 for 3 – Maqsood striking four fours and seven sixes during his 42-ball knock.
Pollard hit two sixes during his brief knock of 16 from 8 balls.
Zalmi didn’t surrender meekly during their chase. Although their top three batsmen – Andre Fletcher (11), Kamran Akmal (9) and Dwayne Smith (18) – failed to get going, it was their captain Mohammad Hafeez (56), Riki Wessels (22) and Liam Dawson (32) who kept the match hanging in the balance with quick runs. But with the asking rate creeping up and the departure of the three batsmen in quick succession, the curtain came down on their innings.
Sohail Tanvir led the Sultans with figures of 3 for 14. Kieron Pollard also chipped in with three wickets. —
clareto@khaleejtimes.com