Hasan Nawaz's blistering performance helped Quetta Gladiators defeat Multan Sultans in the 28th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 at Rawalpindi Cricket Ground on Sunday.
With the win, Quetta Gladiators climbed to the top of the PSL X points table, while Multan Sultans concluded their PSL X campaign after their final appearance.
Chasing an imposing target of 186 runs set by Multan, Quetta Gladiators sealed the win on the last ball of the match, losing eight wickets in the process. Nawaz’s remarkable unbeaten knock of 67 runs from just 38 balls earned him the player of the match award. His innings featured six towering sixes and two boundaries, anchoring Quetta’s successful chase.
Khawaja Nafay also played a key role, contributing a rapid 51 runs from 26 balls, which included four sixes and five fours. Together, the pair’s aggressive strokeplay dismantled Multan Sultans’ bowling attack and kept Quetta in command throughout the chase.
A solid 77-run opening partnership between Quetta captain Saud Shakeel and Khawaja Nafay laid a strong foundation for the victory.
Multan Sultans’ Shahid Aziz was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets and briefly halting Quetta's momentum. Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah, and Peter Hatzoglou each took one wicket, but their efforts proved insufficient to contain the onslaught from Quetta’s batters.
Earlier in the match, Multan Sultans, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a steady total of 185 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. Yasir Khan was the top scorer for Multan with a solid 45-run knock, while Tayyab Tahir added 36 runs. Shahid Aziz contributed 29 runs, and Jahanzeb Sultan chipped in with 25 runs.
On the bowling front, Quetta Gladiators’ Usman Tariq produced an impressive spell, claiming three wickets for 32 runs. He was well supported by Khurram Shehzad, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Abrar Ahmed, each of whom took one wicket.
Following the victory, Quetta Gladiators secured their place in the playoffs, alongside Karachi Kings. Meanwhile, Multan Sultans officially exited the tournament. The race for the remaining playoff spots has intensified, with defending champions Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, and Peshawar Zalmi still battling for qualification.
The PSL 10 playoffs, including the Qualifier, Eliminator 1, Eliminator 2, and Final, are set to take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from May 21 to 25.
