From Abid Usman
Lahore: Chris Lynn 55-ball 113 powered Lahore Qalandars to a comfortable nine-wicket win over Multan Sultans in the 29th fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five.
Qalandars have now qualified for the knockout stage for the very first time in the history of the PSL and will face arch-rivals Karachi Kings.
With 187 to chase, Lynn and Fakhar Zaman took Sultans’ bowlers to the cleaners. Both added a 100-run stand for the opening wicket in just 53 balls.
Fakhar made a 35-balls 57, including two massive sixes and seven fours. Lynn was joined by skipper Sohail Akhtar, he remained not-out for 23-balls 19. Usman Qadir claimed the only wicket for Sultans. Lynn innings included eight sixes and 12 fours. He became the third batsman to score a century in the ongoing season and eighth overall. He is also the first Qalandars’ batsman to score a century in the history of PSL.
Put in to bat by the Qalandars, Sultans lost both the openers early. Skipper Shan Masood and Ravi Bopara rescued the inning from there.
Shan departed after making a well made 42. Soon after Shan dismissal, Qalandars dismissed Bopara and Ali Shafique in quick successions. Khushdil at the back end was supported by young Rohail Nazir who made 17-ball 24. Shaheen Shah Afridi and David Weise bagged two wickets respectively whereas Mohammad Hafeez claimed one. Qalandars, in order to qualify for the semi-finals, have to win this match.
