LAHORE: Like Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans suffered a defeat at the hands of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in an exhibition Twenty20 match here at the Aithcison College ground on Wednesday.

While the Qalandars were handed a four-wicket defeated by the MCC, the Sultans were crushed by 72 runs by the visitors.

It was the last match of MCC’s seven-day visit to Lahore during which they played four matches, winning two and losing two.

Electing to bat first, the MCC piled up 184 for four thanks to in-form Ravi Bopara who smashed 70 and captain Kumar Sangakkara struck 52.

In reply, the Sultans were restricted to 112 all out in 17.4 overs mainly due to some economical bowling by Imran Qayyum (4-9). Two wickets each were taken by Samit Patel and Fred Klaassen for two and 41 runs, respectively.

As MCC struggled at 53-3, Bopara and Sangakkara got together to add 89 runs for the fourth wicket. While Sangakara was dismissed caught by Zeeshan off Ilyas for a 35-ball 52, Bopara rem­ained unbeaten for a 37-ball 70. Sangakkara cracked three sixes and as many fours. Bopara belted four sixes and seven boundaries.

Ali Shafiq was the main wicket-taker with 2-21.

In their chase, Sultans were only served well by top scorer Khushdil Shah, who made 45 off 26 balls with the help of four sixes and three boundaries while all the other players failed to impress.

Summarised scores:

MCC 184 for four in 20 overs (Ravi Bopara 70, Kumar Sangakara 52; Ali Shafiq 2-21); MULTAN SULTANS 112 in 17.4 overs (Khushdil Shah 45; Imran Qayyum 4-9, Samit Patel 2-2, F. Klaassen 2-41).

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2020