Multan Sultans top PSL table

Multan Sultans eased to a convincing six‑wicket victory over Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League on Sunday night, dominating with bat and ball at the Gaddafi Stadium. The result underlined the Sultans’ intentions as they moved back to the top of the PSL 2026 points table with their third win in four matches.   Quetta Gladiators, sent in to bat, managed 166 for seven in their 20 overs — a total that looked competitive on paper but was ultimately insufficient on a batter‑friendly wicket. Saud Shakeel was the standout for Quetta with 56 off 41 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Bevon Jacobs, who scored 49 not out off 31 deliveries, but regular breakthroughs from the Sultans bowlers kept the scoring in check.   Mohammad Nawaz was named player of the match after claiming three wickets for 30 runs, while off‑spinner Arafat Minhas backed him up with two wickets, applying pressure in the middle overs and preventing the Gladiators from building late momentum. The disciplined bowling effort ensured Quetta could not push their total into threatening territory.  In reply, Multan Sultans got off to a flying start as Steven Smith struck a fluent 53 off 35 balls, setting the platform for a swift chase. Smith and Sahibzada Farhan put on a 71‑run opening stand, with Farhan contributing a brisk 32 off 14 balls before falling to Quetta’s Alzarri Joseph. The powerplay dominance effectively put the match beyond Quetta’s reach.  After Farhan’s dismissal, Josh Philippe added 18, but it was Shan Masood who provided calm assurance with an unbeaten 46 off 30 balls to see the Sultans home in 17.3 overs with 15 deliveries to spare. His ability to rotate the strike and pick gaps around the field ensured there was no late drama in the chase.   Multan’s decision to field first paid dividends as their bowlers adapted well to the conditions, mixing pace and spin effectively. Although Quetta’s batting showed moments of resistance, particularly through Shakeel’s half‑century, they struggled to maintain consistent partnerships after early breakthroughs.   The Sultans’ balanced performance — combining early aggression in the chase with disciplined bowling — saw them reclaim the top spot in the PSL standings. The win also provided a timely response after their only loss of the season, showcasing depth throughout the lineup.  Quetta Gladiators, by contrast, remain in the lower half of the points table, having lost three of their four matches so far. Their inability to accelerate effectively in the latter stages of their innings and a lack of penetration with the ball contributed to their defeat.   Multan Sultans now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures with confidence, aiming to maintain momentum in the competitive PSL campaign. Their mix of explosive batting at the top and incisive bowling across the attack makes them one of the favourites as the tournament progresses.   Scoreboard:     •    Quetta Gladiators 166/7 (20 overs): Saud Shakeel 56, Bevon Jacobs 49*; Mohammad Nawaz 3‑30, Arafat Minhas 2‑14.     •    Multan Sultans 167/4 (17.3 overs): Steven Smith 53, Shan Masood 46*; Hasan Nawaz 2‑17, Saud Shakeel 1‑25. Sultans won by six wickets.