In the heart of Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, under the floodlights of a crisp April evening, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 delivered a thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. The 16th match on April 26, 2025, between Lahore Qalandars (LQ) and Multan Sultans (MS) was a battle of wits, skill, and sheer determination. While the entire game was a rollercoaster of emotions, two overs stood out as the LQ vs MS turning points—one where Lahore asserted their dominance and another where Multan staged a fierce comeback. Before we dive into the specifics of this match, let’s ensure you’re up to speed with PSL 2025.
If you’re new to the tournament or want a refresher on its structure, teams, and key players, check out our comprehensive guide: PSL 2025 Guide. These PSL 2025 key moments not only shifted the momentum but also encapsulated the raw passion and unpredictability of T20 cricket. Let’s relive these LQ vs MS match-changing overs that defined an unforgettable clash.
LQ vs MS Turning Point First Blow: Lahore Qalandars Strike Early
As Multan Sultans began their innings after being asked to bat first, they lost Yasir Khan early at 30/1 in the 4.3rd over to Haris Rauf and Usman Khan at 51/2 in the 7.3rd over to DJ Mitchell. By the 10th over, Multan were at 69/2, with Mohammad Rizwan and Shai Hope looking to build a partnership. Enter Tom Curran, Lahore’s English all-rounder, who was handed the ball for the 11th over. Known for his ability to generate swing and seam movement, Curran was about to deliver a moment that would tilt the game in Lahore’s favor.
Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars: Ball-by-Ball Drama
- 11.1: Curran starts with a full delivery on off stump. Hope, cautious, defends it back to the bowler.
- 11.2: A full ball angling in towards the pads. Hope clips it to midwicket for a single, bringing Kamran Ghulam to the crease.
- 11.3: To Ghulam, Curran bowls a length delivery outside off. Ghulam leaves it alone, showing early confidence.
- 11.4: Back to Hope. Curran pitches it up, inviting the drive. Hope gets an inside edge that rolls to fine leg for another single. Rizwan is back on strike.
- 11.5: Curran attempts a yorker, but it’s slightly short. Hope digs it out comfortably.
- 11.6: The moment of magic. Curran bowls a length delivery that nips back sharply off the seam. Hope, caught on the crease, is beaten for pace, and the ball crashes into the off stump. Hope departs for 9 off 9 balls, leaving Multan at 70/3.
LQ vs MS Turning Point: Crowd and Player Reactions
The Gaddafi Stadium erupted as the stumps lit up. Lahore’s players swarmed around Curran, with Shaheen Afridi leading the celebrations, his fiery eyes reflecting the team’s hunger. The crowd, draped in green and white, chanted “Qalandars! Qalandars!” as Multan’s momentum stalled. On X, fans were quick to react: “Curran with the breakthrough! LQ back in the game! #PSL2025,” one post read. This wicket was a PSL match drama moment, putting Multan’s middle order under pressure and giving Lahore a psychological edge.
LQ vs MS Turning Point: What Went Right for Lahore?
Curran’s over was a masterclass in tactical bowling. Shaheen Afridi’s PSL 2025 captaincy shone through in his decision to bring Curran on at a crucial juncture. The field placements were spot-on, with a tight ring around the batters to cut off singles and force a mistake. Curran’s ability to vary his pace and exploit the seam movement on the Gaddafi pitch was key.
Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars: Tactical Brilliance
- Field Settings: Shaheen placed an extra fielder at midwicket, anticipating Hope’s tendency to play aerial shots. This pressured Hope into playing a risky drive.
- Bowling Strategy: Curran mixed full deliveries with length balls, keeping Hope guessing. The final ball’s inward movement was a result of his meticulous line and length.
- Captaincy Call: Shaheen’s trust in Curran over a spinner like Rishad Hossain paid off, as the seamer’s experience was ideal for the middle overs.
This over showcased Lahore’s ability to seize PSL 2025 key moments. However, Multan’s resilience, led by Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, ensured they recovered, with Rizwan and Ghulam forging a 100-run partnership to finish at 185/3. Yet, at 70/3, Lahore felt they had the upper hand.
Multan Fights Back: The Turning Over – LQ collapse vs MS
Fast forward to Lahore’s chase. With a target of 186, Lahore started strongly, with Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique providing a solid foundation. By the end of the 11th over, they were 93/2, needing 93 runs off 54 balls and LQ collapse vs MS. The game was in the balance, but Multan needed wickets to stay alive. Ubaid Shah, the 18-year-old pacer, was handed the ball for the 12th over, and what followed was a Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars tactical battle that brought Multan roaring back.
Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars: Ball-by-Ball Drama
- 12.1 (11.1): Ubaid bowls a length delivery to Shafique, who edges it towards third man for a single. The score moves to 94/2.
- 12.2 (11.2): Ubaid targets Shafique again, bowling a short ball. Shafique attempts a pull but mistimes it, sending a simple catch to Usman Khan at midwicket. Shafique departs for 36 off 26 balls, and Lahore are 94/3.
- 12.3 (11.3): Sam Billings, the new batsman, faces a dot ball as Ubaid bowls a tight length delivery.
- 12.4 (11.4): Ubaid bowls another short ball to Billings, who manages a single to deep square leg, taking the score to 95/3.
- 12.5 (11.5): The second blow. Ubaid bowls a short-of-length ball, and Billings mistimes his pull shot. The ball lobs to a substitute fielder at deep midwicket. Billings is out for 0 off 1 ball, and Lahore slump to 95/4. and there LQ collapse vs MS.
- 12.6 (11.6): DJ Mitchell, the new batsman, defends the final ball cautiously.
Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars: Stadium Noise and Fan Atmosphere
The Gaddafi Stadium fell into a stunned silence as Multan fans erupted in celebration. Ubaid Shah’s fiery celebration, arms outstretched, ignited the Multan contingent in the stands. On X, fans went wild: “Ubaid Shah is a superstar! Two wickets in one over! #LQvsMS,” one post exclaimed. This LQ collapse vs MS moment shifted the momentum firmly in Multan’s favor, with Lahore needing 91 runs from 54 balls with only six wickets in hand.
LQ vs MS Turning Point: Tactical Genius from Multan Sultans
This over was a testament to Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy. Rizwan’s decision to bring on Ubaid Shah at a critical moment was a masterstroke. Ubaid, with his raw pace and ability to bowl short-pitched deliveries, was the perfect weapon against Lahore’s set batters. Rizwan’s captaincy has been a talking point in PSL 2025, much like other player dynamics that have captured attention, such as the controversy surrounding Shoaib Malik.
PSL Tactical Analysis: Strategic Moves
- Bowling Change: Rizwan opted for Ubaid over a spinner like Usama Mir, whose Usama Mir bowling spell had been expensive earlier. Ubaid’s pace unsettled Shafique and Billings.
- Field Adjustments: Rizwan placed fielders at midwicket and deep square leg, anticipating Lahore’s aggressive shots. This paid off with both wickets.
- Psychological Edge: Ubaid’s fiery demeanor and Rizwan’s animated encouragement from behind the stumps rattled Lahore’s batsmen.
This over was a PSL match-changing spell, bringing Multan back into contention. However, Lahore’s resilience, led by DJ Mitchell and Sikandar Raza, ensured they recovered, forging a 50-run partnership to guide Lahore to victory.
Psychological Collapse of Lahore Qalandars
After Ubaid’s over, Lahore’s body language told a story of panic. DJ Mitchell looked composed, but the rest of the team appeared rattled. Shaheen Afridi, watching from the dugout, was visibly tense, urging his batsmen to stay calm. The LQ collapse vs MS was evident in their tentative approach immediately after the over, with Mitchell and Raza playing cautiously for the next few balls.
PSL Tactical Analysis: Missed Opportunities
- Dropped Catch: Earlier in the innings, Multan’s fielders had dropped a chance off Fakhar Zaman, which could have changed the game’s complexion.
- Poor Shot Selection: Shafique’s and Billings’ dismissals were due to rash shots, highlighting Lahore’s vulnerability under pressure.
Despite this collapse, Lahore’s recovery showcased their depth and mental toughness, a hallmark of Shaheen Afridi’s PSL 2025 leadership.
Players Who Shined in These Overs
Tom Curran: Lahore’s Bowling Anchor
Tom Curran, 30, has been a cornerstone of Lahore’s bowling attack in PSL 2025. With 8 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 22.50, Curran’s ability to bowl in high-pressure situations is unmatched. His dismissal of Shai Hope was a testament to his skill, exploiting the seam movement on the Gaddafi pitch. Curran’s experience from playing in various T20 leagues worldwide made him the perfect choice for this crucial over.
Ubaid Shah: Multan’s Young Prodigy
At just 18, Ubaid Shah is one of PSL 2025’s breakout stars. With 6 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 24.33, Ubaid’s raw pace and wicket-taking ability have made him a vital asset for Multan. His double strike against Lahore showcased his potential to change games single-handedly. Ubaid Shah, at just 18, is one of the young talents making waves in PSL 2025, much like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made headlines in IPL 2025 at the age of 14.
Scoreboard After the Overs
| Stage | Multan Sultans | Lahore Qalandars |
|---|---|---|
| Before Curran’s Over | 69/2 (10 overs) | – |
| After Curran’s Over | 70/3 (11 overs) | – |
| Before Ubaid’s Over | – | 93/2 (11 overs) |
| After Ubaid’s Over | – | 95/4 (12 overs) |
These overs significantly altered the game’s trajectory. Curran’s wicket put Multan on the back foot, while Ubaid’s double strike gave Multan a fighting chance.
How These Overs Shaped the Final Result
Curran’s over gave Lahore a psychological edge, restricting Multan to 185/3, a total that was competitive but chaseable. Key performances included Mohammad Rizwan (76 off 48) and Kamran Ghulam (52* off 31) for Multan, but Lahore’s bowlers, led by Haris Rauf (1/34), kept things tight.
Ubaid’s over, on the other hand, brought Multan back into contention, reducing Lahore to 95/4. However, DJ Mitchell’s aggressive 64 off 38 and Sikandar Raza’s composed 40 off 24 turned the tide. Lahore reached 186/5 in 19 overs, winning by 5 wickets with 6 balls to spare. The LQ vs MS highlights were defined by these moments, with Mitchell’s match-winning knock earning him the Player of the Match award.
Lessons for Future: Lahore and Multan
Both teams will need to learn from this match. For Lahore, it’s about maintaining composure under pressure, while for Multan, it’s about converting starts into wins. Additionally, maintaining discipline is crucial, as seen in other cricketing incidents like the Towhid Hridoy ban in Bangladesh cricket.
Lahore Qalandars
- Mental Toughness: The LQ collapse vs MS exposed vulnerabilities in their middle order. They must work on staying composed under pressure.
- Tactical Consistency: Shaheen’s decision to use Curran was spot-on, but over-reliance on pace in the middle overs needs balancing with spin options like Rishad Hossain.
Multan Sultans
- Bowling Discipline: While Ubaid’s over was brilliant, Multan’s bowlers, including Usama Mir, leaked runs in the death overs. They need to tighten their lines.
- Batting Depth: Rizwan and Ghulam’s partnership was crucial, but Multan must ensure their lower order contributes more consistently.
Final Thoughts: One Match, Two Moments, Endless Memories
The LQ vs MS clash in PSL 2025 was a perfect example of why T20 cricket captivates millions. Two overs—Tom Curran’s wicket-taking spell and Ubaid Shah’s double strike—defined the game’s ebb and flow, showcasing the fine margins that decide victories and defeats. As we reflect on this match, it’s clear that PSL 2025 is full of drama and excitement. From centuries like Sahibzada Farhan’s rampage against Zalmi Sahibzada Farhan Century to tactical battles like the one we witnessed between LQ and MS, every match has something special to offer. While Lahore Qalandars emerged victorious, Multan Sultans’ fightback ensured this match will be remembered as one of the season’s most thrilling encounters.
Cricket is not just about runs and wickets; it’s about moments that stir emotions and create lasting memories. Did you witness these LQ vs MS turning points live? Share your favorite moment from the match in the comments below! And follow @UnfilteredCNews on X for more PSL match drama and analysis.
