cricket

HAMPSHIRE batsman Rilee Rossouw top scored as the Quetta Gladiators won a thriller against Pakistan Super League leaders Multan Sultans.

The Sultans had established themselves as the team to beat with a nine-wicket win in their last game against the Gladiators, followed by a 19-run victory against a Peshawar Zalmi side including Liam Dawson.

But they lost to Rossouw and co. by two wickets, despite Umar Gul’s 6-24, after being restricted to 152-5 in Dubai.

The Gladiators were 62-3 in the 11th over when Kevin Pietersen was lbw to Pakistan off-spinner Shoaib Malik for five shortly after Rossouw had arrived in the middle.

Rossouw’s 24-ball 27, which included two fours and a six, was significant as Gladiators reached their target with two wickets and a ball to spare.

Former Hampshire batsman Shane Watson made a run-a-ball 26 at the top of the order. When Rossouw became the fourth of Gul’s victims, the Gladiators still needed 35 from three overs - but the lower order got them.

l The Southern Vipers have been allocated England World Cup star Tammy Beaumont for the forthcoming season