A handful of nights that defined the Sultans’ legacy
From the dusty stands of Multan to the roar of Rawalpindi’s crowd, the Multan Sultans have had their share of glittering nights. These five matches don’t only mark victories; they capture moments when the franchise stepped up, found its soul and left an imprint on the Pakistan Super League. Here they are — in no particular order, because each stands on its own.
1. March 11, 2023: Sultans smash a PSL record – 262/3 vs Quetta Gladiators
Sometimes a team doesn’t merely win — it shakes the foundations. On this night, the Sultans did exactly that. They posted 262 for 3, the highest total in PSL history.
The engine was a blistering knock by Usman Khan: 120 off 43 balls, including the fastest century in the league (36 balls). Captain Mohammad Rizwan pulled his weight too, scoring 55 off 29.
Yet Quetta didn’t roll over — they got to 253/8. That margin, just nine runs, made it a gladiatorial spectacle.
This match became a statement: not just that the Sultans can bat big, but that they can sustain pressure, rewrite records. For fans, it felt like the leap from being contenders to “force to fear”.
2. June 24, 2021: Title clincher – Sultans win their maiden PSL crown vs Peshawar Zalmi
If the 2023 match was a landmark for “big-bat” glory, this was the one with the trophy. On this day, Multan Sultans finally brought home the PSL. They defeated Peshawar Zalmi in the final of the 2021 season to become champions.
The significance: any franchise can have flashes, but to win the title is to confirm a deep-down belief. In front of Pakistani fans, this meant the Southern Punjab team had arrived for real.
It wasn’t just about fireworks; it was about composure under pressure, about making the moment count. For many in the stands, this is where “we are Multan” felt more than a chant — it became an identity.
3. March 13, 2020: A nail-biter vs Peshawar Zalmi – victory by 3 runs
Sometimes legend is forged not in dominant wins, but in those clutch finishes where the heart beats fastest. On that March evening, Multan Sultans edged Peshawar Zalmi by just three runs in a final-ball thriller.
Key moments: Bowler Ali Shafiq defended 15 runs in the final over, with the last delivery deciding the match after a no-ball, leg-bye, single combo. The innings included a 52 off 39 by Zeeshan Ashraf, a lively 30 by Khushdil Shah.
Matches like this build culture. They teach teams how to win when the margin is razor-thin, and they teach fans how to hold their breath together. From the Multan side, it was proof that they could fight until the very last ball.
4. March 10, 2023: A record chase – Sultans chase down 244 vs Peshawar Zalmi
Building on the heavy totals, this one was about a response under fire. In the same 2023 season, Multan chased down 244 to secure one of the highest successful chases in PSL history.
At Rawalpindi, they were asked to match the run-fest and they did. The batsmen kept up the tempo, the plan worked. A match like this cements belief: that the Sultans don’t blink when the target is monumental.
For the audience, these are the matches that keep you watching until the final wicket falls, until the umpire signals all out or one more run. They create memories.
5. PSL 2024 Final: Runner-up finish, a bitter sweet lesson
In the world of legends, wins matter — but so do the losses that teach. In March 2024, Multan Sultans faced off against Islamabad United in the final and came up short by two wickets.
They had topped the league stage (14 points from seven wins) and reached the final with full momentum. The defeat, though painful, showcased the maturity of the side: facing the big moment, delivering until the end, but learning the hard way.
For the Pakistani fan, it was bittersweet — a mix of pride and “what could have-been”. But such moments often kindle the drive for redemption, the hunger for the next title.
Why these five matches matter
- They cover batting fireworks, final-stage pressure, clutch finishes, record chases, and hard losses.
- Together, they chart the evolution of the Multan Sultans — from newcomers to title winners, to record-setters, to perennial contenders.
- They resonate with fans beyond stats: the cheers, the flood of sixes, the tight finishes, the heartbreak of near misses.
- They say something about the team’s identity: bold batting, willingness to chase, and a hunger to make South Punjab proud.
For Multan fans, what to take away
- The belief that we can out-bat anyone — the 262/3 night still echoes.
- The knowledge that we can win when it counts — the 2021 title win is proof.
- The comfort in knowing that we can handle pressure — the three-run win shows grit.
- The reminder that there’s always room to grow — the 2024 final loss fuels the next quest.
- And above all: that supporting the Sultans means embracing the highs and the lows, together.
What’s next?
The next chapter awaits — fresh drafts, new players, new records. But the foundation has been laid. For the Sultans faithful, these five matches are more than “great games”; they’re milestones on the journey. And the journey is far from over.