Naeem, Emon power Lahore Qalandars to win in rain-hit clash against the Sultans

A blistering top-order display from Mohammad Naeem and Emon powered Lahore Qalandars to a commanding 20-run victory over Multan Sultans in a rain-shortened Pakistan Super League encounter.

In a match reduced to 13 overs per side, Qalandars posted a daunting 185 for 5, riding on aggressive knocks from their top order. Naeem led the charge with a rapid 60, while Emon chipped in with a fluent 45, as Lahore raced to 134 runs inside the first eight overs.

The Sultans’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with only Mohammad Ismail managing to pick up two wickets, though at the cost of 47 runs in a high-scoring encounter.

Chasing a steep DLS-adjusted target of 186, Multan never recovered from a sluggish start. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ubaid Shah, and Mustafizur Rahman delivered a clinical powerplay, conceding just 27 runs and removing key early wickets to derail the chase.

Steve Smith fell cheaply, while Josh Philippe and Sahibzada Farhan also failed to make an impact under mounting pressure.

Despite a spirited counterattack from Shan Masood, who smashed 44 off 17 balls, and an unbeaten 52 from Ashton Turner, the Sultans could only manage 165 for 5, falling short by 20 runs.

Although Multan staged a late surge, plundering 136 runs in the final nine overs, the early damage inflicted by Qalandars proved decisive in a match dominated by explosive batting and disciplined bowling in the powerplay.