Multan Sultans down Lahore Qalandars to claim first win of the season

Multan Sultans on Tuesday registered their first win of the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a 33-run victory over Lahore Qalandars at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Sultans, playing this season's first game at home, bounced back after losing their three opening matches over the past two weeks. Yasir Khan's explosive batting and Ubaid Shah's brilliant bowling were the standout performances of the night.

After winning the toss, Multan opted to bat first and posted an imposing total of 228 in their 20 overs. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan got the team off to a flying start, putting up a record 89-run partnership for the first wicket – the highest opening stand in this year's PSL.

Rizwan scored 32 runs off 24 balls with a six and four 4s before being bowled by Asif Afridi. Yasir Khan was the top scorer with a scintillating 87 off 44 deliveries, smashing six 6s and six 4s before being caught by Abdullah Shafique off Sikandar Raza.

Usman Khan contributed 39 runs, sharing a 70-run stand with Yasir for the second wicket. Iftikhar Ahmed added late fireworks with an unbeaten 40 off just 18 balls, including three 6s and three 4s.

Rishad Hossain was the pick of Lahore's bowlers, claiming two wickets for 45 runs.

In response, Qalandars could only manage to score 195 runs in their 20 overs with one wicket remaining.

Fakhar Zaman looked dangerous early on with 32 off 22 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours, but Ubaid Shah struck to dismiss him at a crucial time. Earlier, Mohammad Naeem fell cheaply for 11 runs to Michael Bracewell.

Bracewell further dented Lahore's chase by removing Abdullah Shafique for 18, ending a promising 36-run stand with Daryl Mitchell. Ubaid Shah returned to remove both Sam Billings and Mitchell, crushing any hopes of a late comeback.

Despite Sikandar Raza's valiant 50* off 34 balls, Lahore fell short. 

Ubaid Shah ended with figures of 3 for 37, while Bracewell and Usama Mir picked up two wickets apiece.

Multan now move to their next game against Islamabad United, which will also be played in Multan today (Wednesday).