The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has been making headlines but generally for all wrong reasons. From the ball-tampering controversy to Naseem Shah being slapped with hefty fine, the list is just adding up. But this time, the league is being talked about because of a hilarious incident that unfolded during the fixture between Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators.
Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith opened the innings for Multan Sultans against the Gladiators while chasing 167. The two started off pretty well providing a partnership of 71 for the first wicket. But as the innings progressed, the fans were left into splits as Farhan denied Smith a single on the last ball of an over, despite the Australian being keen on taking it. Fans on social media compared the incident to the one between Steve Smith and Pakistan star Babar Azam in the Big Bash League (BBL), when Smith had denied Babar a single in order to keep strike.
Smith had done the same to Babar while playing for Sydney Sixers in BBL 2026 leaving the Pakistan batter frustrated. The fans are now calling this act from Farhan as a “revenge”.
Sahibzada Farhan has taken revenge on Steve Smith for insulting Bobby in BBL
— Jalal Haider (@jalalbalti) April 5, 2026
Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans
Talking about the match, Multan Sultans chased down 167 in just over 17 overs by 6 wickets. After a steady start provided by Smith and Farhan, Shan Masood too chipped in with important runs. While Smith notched up 53 off 35, Masood remained unbeaten at 46 off 30.
Earlier, Gladiators had rode on captain Saud Shakeel’s half-century and Bevon Jacob’s unbeaten 49 off 31 to put up 166/7 in 20 overs. Ahmed Daniyal also struck a 9-ball 22 before getting retired hurt. Mohammad Nawaz scalped 3 wickets for 30 runs in four overs. Arafat Minhas picked up a couple for 14 in his four.
“Can see the trend of teams attacking us with spin. When you lose early wickets, you’re just playing catch up. It’s an area of concern that we’re losing wickets in a bunch. If your main bowler is injured and you’re playing with five bowlers without the luxury of an allrounder, it dents your chances,” Shakeel noted after the match.
“We’ve got good people who are our domestic players, our local support staff. Guys are playing with a smile on their face. Might go find somewhere to find a blanket and pillow and sleep here, very short turnaround,” Multan Sultans captain Ashton Turner added.
Covering sports for fun. Cricket in whites remains the first love—the kind that teaches patience, rewards nuance, and tells stories over five days rather than five seconds.
