Hassan Nawaz shines as Quetta Gladiators edge past Multan in PSL X thriller

Hassan Nawaz's blitz helped Quetta Gladiators to defeat Multan Sultans in the 28th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10,  at Rawalpindi Cricket Ground on Sunday. 

After winning the match, Quetta Gladiators surged to the top of the points table in the PSL X. 

This match was also the last appearance of the Sultans in this year's league as they bow out of the tournament.

Chasing a competitive target of 186 runs set by Multan Sultans, Quetta delivered a powerful batting performance, securing victory on the last ball of the match for the loss of eight wickets. 

Hassan Nawaz, who played a blistering unbeaten knock of 67 runs off just 38 balls, was declared man of the match. 

 His innings featured six towering sixes and two boundaries, anchoring Quetta’s successful chase.

Another vital contribution came from Khawaja Nafay, who hammered a rapid 51 runs from 26 deliveries, including four sixes and five fours.

The duo's aggressive batting dismantled Multan’s bowling attack and ensured Quetta's dominance throughout the run chase.

The foundation for the win was laid by a strong 77-run opening partnership between Quetta captain Saud Shakeel and Khawaja Nafay.

For Multan Sultans, Shahid Aziz was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets and briefly slowing Quetta’s momentum.

Mohammad Hasnain, Ubaid Shah, and Peter Hatzoglou took one wicket each, but their efforts weren’t enough to contain the onslaught.

Earlier, opting to bat first after winning the toss, Multan displayed a steady batting performance and managed to score 185 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Yasir Khan led the charge with a solid 45-run knock, while Tayyab Tahir added 36. Supporting contributions came from Shahid Aziz, who scored 29, and Jahanzeb Sultan, who chipped in with 25 runs.

On the bowling front, Quetta Gladiators’ Usman Tariq delivered an impressive spell, picking up three wickets for 32 runs. He was well supported by Khurram Shehzad, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Abrar Ahmed, all of whom claimed one wicket each.

So far, Quetta Gladiators and Karachi Kings have confirmed their spots in the playoff stage, while Multan Sultans have officially exited the tournament.

The race for the remaining playoff positions is heating up, with defending champions Islamabad United, Lahore Qalandars, and Peshawar Zalmi still battling it out for qualification.

The PSL 10 playoffs—including the Qualifier, Eliminator 1, Eliminator 2, and the Final—will be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from May 21 to 25.