by Istafa Ali March 20, 2023, 11:31 am inCricket, PSL, Sports

Lahore Qalandars Win second Consecutive PSL Trophy

Lahore Qalandars won the Pakistan Super League Saturday after defeating Multan Sultans by one run at Gaddafi Stadium.

The Sultans almost reached 201 runs but fell short by one run.

GREATEST. FINAL. EVER.@lahoreqalandars become the first team to successfully defend their HBLPSL title 🏆#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray | #MSvLQ pic.twitter.com/hskDWqKZRr

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 18, 2023

The Qalandars became the first PSL champions to defend.

David Wiese dismissed opener Usman Khan in the fourth over of the run-chase. Right-hander scored 18 runs in 12 balls.

Rilee Rossouw and Mohammad Rizwan put up 64 runs in 42 balls to keep the Multans on track after the early defeat.

Rashid Khan cleaned up Rossouw as the batter tried to take the game away from the Qalandars. South Africa scored 52 in 32 balls.

🐍#sochnabemanahai #HBLPSL8 #QalandarHum #QalandarsCity #LQvMS pic.twitter.com/oMuPp7WZli

— Lahore Qalandars (@lahoreqalandars) March 18, 2023

Rizwan, 34 off 23, died attempting to clear the long-on boundary in Rashid’s final over. David Wiese collected the ball, retained his balance, then flipped it back in the air as he crossed the rope before regaining his balance and completing the catch.

Shaheen, who gave 34 runs in his opening two overs, returned to dismiss dangerous Kieron Pollard in his second spell. Windies all-rounder scored 19 runs in 16 balls.

Safe hands 👏

In @FakharZamanLive, @lahoreqalandars trust 🙌#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray | #MSvLQ pic.twitter.com/NCKg5AYaUG

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) March 18, 2023

Shaheen also took three wickets in his last over to help his team win.

Haris Rauf surrendered 22 runs in the last over, ensuring a dramatic finale.

Zaman Khan persevered to win the match in the final over.

Qalandars scored 200-6 in their 20 overs earlier.

Ihsanullah dismissed opener Tahir Baig with a short ball after the Qalandars scored 34 runs in the first three overs. Right-hander scored 30 runs in 18 balls.

Lahore scored 82-1 at halftime thanks to the wicket and strong bowling from the Sultans.

Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique combined 57 runs in 38 balls for the second wicket, but Multan took four fast wickets to derail their hopes.

Usama Mir bowled Zaman (39), Sam Billings (9) and Ahsan Hafeez (9) in his first two overs (0).

Khushdil Shah’s ball slid through and hit Sikandar Raza (1)’s stumps.

Captain Shaheen attacked Multan bowlers with some spectacular shots as Lahore struggled. Two fours and five maximums gave him 44 runs in 15 balls.

Khushdil Shah’s ball slid through and hit Sikandar Raza (1)’s stumps.

Captain Shaheen attacked Multan bowlers with some spectacular shots as the Qalandars struggled. Two fours and five maximums gave him 44 runs in 15 balls.