Qalandars prevail over Sultans to set up PSL final with Kings

David Wiese’s all-round display helped Lahore Qalandars beat Multan Sultans by 25 runs in the second eliminator on Sunday, to set up Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five final with Karachi Kings.

Chasing a target of 183 runs, Sultans’ foreign signing Adam Lyth showed his value by providing an aggressive start to the innings. Despite losing his opening partner Zeeshan Ashraf early for 12, Lyth continued on his merry ways as he dismantled left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez in the powerplay.

All-rounder David Wiese provided a much-needed breakthrough for Qalandars as he removed Lyth after the left-hander reached his fifty in just 28 balls.

Sultans’ captain Shan Masood combined with Rilee Rossouw to keep the chase on track, but was dismissed by Dilbar Hussain for 27. Bopara soon followed Masood as he edged one behind to wicketkeeper Ben Dunk.

With Multan still needing 67 from 39 balls, pacer Haris Rauf stepped up and removed Rossouw and Shahid Afridi on back to back deliveries, completing his tally of 50 T20 wickets this year.

Khushdil Shah continued to fight for Sultans, however his 30-run knock from 19 balls proved not enough to take his team over the line. Rauf and Wiese bagged three wickets each for Qalandars.

Earlier, Lahore Qalandars scored 182/6 after being asked to bat first by Multan Sultans.

Left-hand batsman Tamim gave an ideal start to Qalandars with a brisk 30-run knock from 20 deliveries. However, Sultans fought back with two quick strikes removing Tamim and Qalandars captain Sohail Akhtar (5) inside the powerplay.

Fakhar Zaman tried to build on the start and formed a 51-run partnership with in-form Mohammad Hafeez, despite continued pressure from Multan spinners. Hafeez finally caved under pressure and was dismissed by Shahid Afridi for 19, while attempting a big hit.

Afridi then struck gold by removing Qalandars’ hard-hitting batsman Ben Dunk, finishing his four-over spell with two wickets, while conceding only 18 runs.

Qalandars needed a strong finish and Wiese responded with a blistering 48-run knock from just 21 balls, which included five fours and three sixes. Wiese’s 59-run partnership with left-hand all-rounder Samit Patel, helped Qalandars reach a competitive total. Wiese was adjudged player of the match for his all-round contribution.