West Indies star Shai Hope once again watched from the sidelines as Multan Sultans, desperately in need of a spark to revive their faltering Pakistan Super League (PSL) campaign, were hammered by Quetta Gladiators, who romped to a 10-wicket win in Lahore on Tuesday.

With Hope absent from the XI, Multan’s batting lineup crumbled spectacularly, as they posted a feeble 89 all out in 17 overs. The rampant Gladiators, in turn, cantered to their target in just 6.5 overs.

Hope, a technically sound batsman known for his poise under pressure, has had limited opportunities this season, having only played four games in which he has tallied 38 runs. Still, in his absence, Multan’s woes continued.

Only skipper Mohammad Rizwan showed any resistance with a fighting, unbeaten 44 off 44 balls, striking three fours and a six in a lone stand against the Gladiators’ attack. Usama Mir (11) was the only other player to reach double figures as Quetta’s Khurram Shahzad (4-23), Mohammad Wasim (2-18), and Faheem Ashraf (2-21) tore through the batting order.

In contrast, Quetta Gladiators looked every bit the title contender. Captain Saud Shakeel, with an unbeaten 42 off 20 balls, and Finn Allen, also unbeaten on 45 off 21 balls, toyed with the chase and dispatched boundaries at will. Shakeel’s innings featured three fours and four sixes, while Allen added two fours and five sixes, as they saw their team to a fourth win and up to second place with eight points.

For Multan, the situation is dire, as with this, their sixth loss in seven games, they are rooted to the foot of the table with just two points.