LAHORE: Multan Sultans captain Ashton Turner highlighted the shortcomings in the batting powerplay following their 8-wicket loss to Hyderabad Kingsmen in Eliminator 1 of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Batting first, the Sultans were reduced to 52/5 in 7.1 overs after a poor start to their innings and managed to amass 159/9 in their 20 overs despite an unbeaten half-century from vice-captain Shaun Masood.
Although Masood batted valiantly to take the 2021 champions past 150, it was not enough for their bowlers as the Kingsmen made light work of the target.
Reflecting on the humbling defeat, Sultans captain Turner insisted they were outplayed by their batting powerplay, expressing his disappointment at how their campaign had culminated in the eight-team tournament as they lost “so many wickets”.
“In the powerplay, you know we’re out, you know, you play into it and you’re at the standard of our top order, you know, we’ve seen one of the best batting orders in the powerplay, the first time we’ve lost more wickets,” Turner said in the post-match presentation.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t the game we wanted. Yes, I’m very disappointed with how it ended,” he added.
However, Turner insisted that everyone in the Sultans dressing room had smiles on their faces as they had a wonderful time in PSL 11.
He then praised the local players, coaches and support staff and shared that they were “lucky” to be playing here.
“But look, everybody in our changing room, I’ll tell you, usually had a smile on their face. We were so happy,” Turner continued.
“We had a great local players and coaches and support staff and you know, we feel very lucky to be playing cricket here. Hope to see you there again,” he concluded.