Defending Champions Lahore Qalandars defeated the Multan Sultans in the opening match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL-8) 2023 Played at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Qalandars Batter Fakhar Zaman’s outstanding 42-ball 66 and pacers’ incredible bowling helped the defending champions to victory by 1 run in the first match of the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Played at Multan Cricket Stadium.
Lahore Qalandars’ Captain and Pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi takes the wicket of Sultans Batter Mohammad Rizwan, who was looking stunning for his 50-ball 75 in the first match of the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League at Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday.
After a great partnership of 100, bowler Hussain Talat gave Lahore Qalandars some hope to bag victory after getting the wicket of Shan Masood, who made 31-ball 35 in the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Multan Cricket Stadium.
While Chasing a target of 176 runs against the Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultan’s openers Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood gave a tough time to Qalandars and put Shaheen to the test.
Lahore Qalandars Batter Fakhar Zaman and Mirza Baig opened the innings. Both of them managed to provide the Qalandars, with a solid platform by putting a brilliant partnership of 61. Mirza Baig’s wicket was taken by Sultan’s bowler Akeal Hosein and he scored 26-ball 32, studded with five boundaries.
Later, Zaman was joined by Shai Hope who played innings of 19 runs on 17 balls, smoking a four and a sixer. Kamran Ghulam only scored 6-ball 3 and was gone by Ihsanullah.
Fakhar Zaman played a special knocking inning for his side and amassed 42-ball 66 and he clobbered three boundaries and five sixes. Zimbabwean cricketer Sikandar Raza who was playing from the side of the calendar played (19 off 14 deliveries)innings and Hussain Talat (20 off 12) meanwhile David Wiese could only score 4-ball 5.
For Multan Sultans, Usama Mir (2-25) and Ihsanullah (2-37) bagged two wickets each. While Akeal Hosein (1-31) and Shahnawaz Dahani (1-40) took a wicket apiece.
Opening Ceremony & Toss
In today’s match, Multan Sultans won the toss and elected to field first against Lahore Qalandars. Mohammad Rizwan is the captain of Multan Sultans, meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi is the Captain of the defending champions Lahore Qalandars.
Before the toss, Multan holds the Opening ceremony of PSL-8. In the opening ceremony, different famous artists and singers entertain the spectators.
Cricket fans in Multan and all around the world saw spectacular performances by one of the major attractions was the performances of the singers, Abdullah Siddiqui, Asim Azhar, Faris Shafi, and Shae Gill, of the PSL 8 anthem.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management committee chairman Najam Sethi shared his thoughts on the mega event. Mr. Sethi began his speech by asking Multan fans who they thought would win today’s match: Multan or Lahore. He then spoke about Lahore Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi and Multan Sultan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Mr. Sethi said, “The PSL journey started in the UAE. Next time, we will move to Quetta, Peshawar.”
Chairman Mr. Sethi emphasized the importance of the premium tournament, saying, “The PSL has gifted us players like Shaheen Shah Afridi.” He said all of the players were owned by the country and that “Lahore remains in his heart, and Multan is in his heart.”
After Mr. Sethi’s speech, singer and composer Sahir Ali Bagga came to fascinate the fans with his soothing voice and sang his iconic songs including “O Rangreza.” He was later joined by Aima Baig to sing their famous number, “Baazi.” He also sang “Dil Ki Awaz.”
This was all about the performance of the singers after the performance the end of the ceremony with a display of fireworks lit in the sky.
PSL Schedule
Remember that the 2nd Match of the Mega Event will be Played between Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi at National Stadium Karachi.
PSL 8 Matches will be played between Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, and Quetta Gladiators. The knockout phase will kick off on March 15.
The tournament will be played in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi respectively. Fans can book their tickets by visiting PCB office or via online Bookme app.
