RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious with a narrow four-run win over Multan Sultans in the 21st match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Peshawar Zalmi’s all-round performance, combining solid batting and disciplined bowling, propelled them to a thrilling victory over the league leaders, Multan Sultans.
Opting to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi’s decision paid off handsomely as they posted a formidable total of 204/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Babar Azam and Saim Ayub laid a solid foundation with a blistering partnership of 84 runs. While Saim contributed a quickfire 46 off 22 deliveries, Babar Azam anchored the innings with a stellar 64 off 40 balls, featuring seven boundaries and two sixes.
In response, Multan Sultans faced a tough chase, with their skipper Mohammad Rizwan and opener Reeza Hendricks falling early. Despite valiant efforts from Dawid Malan, Tayyab Tahir, and Khushdil Shah, Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers, led by Aamer Jamal and Naveen-ul-Haq, managed to restrict Multan Sultans to 200 runs, falling just short of the target of 205.
Iftikhar Ahmed and Chris Jordan’s late heroics were in vain as they fell short by four runs. Usama Mir shone with the ball for Multan Sultans, claiming three wickets, while Chris Jordan picked up two.
With this win against the table-toppers Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi has climbed to the third position on the points table. They have nine points under their belt after eight matches.
Multan Sultans, who have already qualified for playoffs, continue to maintain their spot at the top with 12 points.
Peshawar Zalmi Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Aamer Jamal, Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mehran Mumtaz, Salman Irshad
Multan Sultans Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Reeza Hendricks, Dawid Malan, Tayyab Tahir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Usama Mir, Aftab Ibrahim, Mohammad Ali
