Shahid Afridi was not part of the Multan Sultans starting XI that beat defending Champions Quetta Gladiators by 30 runs in the afternoon PSL fixure on Saturday.
Sources close to the Sultans camp have revealed that the legendary all-rounder picked up an injury during training which is why his name was excluded from the team sheet.
When the squads for saturday’s crunch clash were announced, there was lots of speculation relating to Afridi place in the side, with many people suggesting the former Pakistan captain may have missed out due to lacklustre performances with the bat. However, reliable sources from the Multan dugout have said Afridi’s absence on Saturday was only due to an injury he picked up in the build up to the game.
Meanwhile, despite Afridi’s absence, Multan Sultans completed a magnificent win over defending Champions Quetta at home. The 30-run win was inspired by a stunning first innings score of 100 by Sultans star Riley Rossow who reached his century in just 44 balls. The protean power house dismantled the Gladiators bowlers, smashing 10 fours and 6 sixes.
Shane Watson continued his magnificent form in the PSL, with a brilliant 80 off 41 deliveries. The Gladiators top order got off to a flier but their efforts couldn’t prove enough in the end, with the Sultans bowlers picking up wickets at crucial times.
With their 4th victory of the season, the Sultans proudly sit at of the PSL 5 table at 8 points. The Gladiators drop down to 2nd, having won 3 out of 5 so far.
The Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi fixture was washed out due to rain, with both teams deadlocked at 3rd and 4th in the table with 5 points a piece. Karachi Kings have just 1 win in 3 games. They sit 5th and Lahore Qalandars are rock bottom after being winless so far this season.