Sultans down Qalandars by two wickets in practice match

Multan Sultans defeated Lahore Qalandars by two wickets to register their back-t0-back wins in the practice matches ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five playoffs.

The Shan Masood-led unit chased down the target of 158 runs in 19 overs for the loss of eight wickets.

All-rounder Ravi Bopara top-scored with 38 runs off 25 balls, with the help of five fours. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir remained unbeaten on 27 runs off 21 balls to take his team over the line.

Middle-order batsmen Khushdil Shah and Brendan Taylor contributed with 24 and 23 runs, respectively.

For Qalandars, pacer Usman Khan Shinwari claimed two wickets for 14 runs in two overs. Left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi bagged one wicket for 21 runs in three overs.

Earlier, batting first, Lahore Qalandars had set Multan Sultans a 158-run target after an inspired unbeaten knock of 49 runs by all-rounder Samit Patel in the ongoing practice match between the sides at the National Stadium in Karachi on Thursday.

Sultans’ fast-bowler Sohail Tanvir removed Qalandars captain and opening batsman Sohail Akhtar for a golden duck early in the match.

Batsman Tamim Iqbal (37 runs off 38 deliveries) and opener Fakhar Zaman (23 runs of 24 deliveries) took a cautious approach after the early wicket to provide a stable foundation for their side.

Fast-bowler Junaid Khan removed Fakhar after a promising start after the batsman was caught by fielder Ravi Bopara.

Batsmen Tamim, Mohammad Hafeez (4), Ben Dunk and David Wiese (0) fell in quick succession to leave the Qalandars side struggling.

Patel (49* off 33 deliveries) and Mohammad Faizan (26* off 16 deliveries) combined to help their side reach 157 runs for the loss of six wickets at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

Junaid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Sultans after picking up two wickets at the expense of 28 runs in three overs.