Lahore Qalandar’s journey began with a stumble as they lost opener Sahibzada Farhan in just the second over. Nevertheless, Rassie van der Dussen and Qalandar’s captain Fakhar Zaman steadied the ship with a magnificent 94-run partnership, propelling their team to 95/1 in 12 overs.
Despite their efforts, Multan Sultans’ fielding woes continued, with Usama Mir and Khushdil Shah spilling some straightforward chances, allowing Qalandars to post a formidable 166/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
The first blunder in the field occurred during the 16th over when Abbas Afridi delivered a deceptive slower ball to Jahandad Khan, resulting in a top-edge towards backward square leg where Usama Mir was stationed. Mir lunged forward but failed to hold onto the catch, the ball slipping from his grasp multiple times before finally hitting the ground.
Despite Mir’s disappointment, Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan offered a consoling pat on the back, while Afridi, visibly frustrated, returned to his bowling mark, preparing for the next delivery.
The next fielding mishap unfolded with Khushdil Shah, who had previously missed two straightforward catches against Islamabad United. In the first ball of the 17th over, Afridi delivered a well-pitched ball to Khan, who attempted to clear the boundary towards long-on. Shah, covering ground quickly, dove in an attempt to catch the ball but failed to hold onto it. Afridi’s frustration was evident once more as the missed opportunity left him visibly discontented.
— Shanaka Kundu (@KunduShanaka) February 21, 2024
— Shanaka Kundu (@KunduShanaka) February 21, 2024
The troubles persisted for the Sultans as Shah repeated his mistake. Afridi bowled a full-length delivery to Khan, who once again aimed for the boundary at long-on. Shah, positioned there once more, was unable to secure the catch, allowing the ball to slip through his fingers. Despite the error, Rizwan, known for his supportive gestures, seemed reluctant to offer consolation this time, a departure from his usual demeanor.
