Qalandars keep Sultans to 163-2 in first qualifier

Defending champions Multan Sultans Wednesday handed a 164-run target to Lahore Qalandars in the qualifier at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, as the Pakistan Super League's (PSL) seventh edition.

Lahore Qalandars won the toss and invited Multan Sultans to bat first they did really well to restrict Sultans to 163.

Qalandars bowlers bowled superbly and did not give room to Sultans batsmen to hit freely. Especially Mohammad Hafeez was exceptional who gave away just 16 runs in his 4 overs and took 1 wicket.

Sultans innings started to a rocky start as Hafeez struck on the first ball of his first over, which was the second over of the Sultans innings, to remove inform Shan Masood as Sultans lost their first wicket for three runs. Shan could score only two runs off five balls.

Emerging player Aamer Azmat joined captain Rizwan and played a good knock of 33 runs off 22 balls. Sultans finished the first powerplay with 45-1 on the board. Aamer was next to go when he was stumped by Phil Salt when he tried to go for a big one against Samit Patel after mustering 47 runs for second wicket partnership with Rizwan.

Rossouw then joined Rizwan and sped the things somehow but there was no free hitting opportunities. Rizwan played almost ball by a run innings.

Rossouw hit a six and seven fours as he remained unbeaten for his 65 runs off 42 balls at a strike rate of 154.76.

Rizwan also remained unbeaten making 53 off 51 balls and hitting five boundaries in the process as Sultans scored 163-2 after 20 overs.