Karachi, March 15, 2024 – In a thrilling display of cricket prowess, the Multan Sultans clinched a spot in the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 after a resounding victory over Peshawar Zalmi by seven wickets.
The match, held at the National Stadium Karachi, showcased the Sultans’ dominance and determination as they stormed into the much-coveted final.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi faced a formidable Multan Sultans bowling attack. Despite Babar Azam’s commendable effort with the bat, scoring 46 runs off 42 balls, the Zalmi struggled to build a substantial total. With contributions from Tom Kohler-Cadmore (24 runs off 24 balls) and Mohammad Haris (22 runs off 14 balls), Peshawar Zalmi managed to post a modest score of 146 runs for the loss of seven wickets. However, the lack of significant partnerships hindered their ability to set a challenging target.
The Multan Sultans’ bowling unit exhibited remarkable skill and precision to restrict their opponents’ scoring opportunities. Usama Mir and Chris Jordan emerged as the standout performers, each claiming two crucial wickets, while Mohammad Ali provided valuable support with one wicket to his name.
In pursuit of 147 runs for victory, the Multan Sultans displayed exemplary batting prowess, showcasing their depth and resilience. Yasir Khan played a pivotal role at the top of the order, crafting a composed innings of 54 runs off 37 balls to anchor the Sultans’ chase. Usman Khan provided solid support with an unbeaten 36 runs off 28 balls, while Iftikhar Ahmed electrified the crowd with a blistering cameo, smashing an unbeaten 22 runs off just eight balls.
Despite efforts from Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers, including Aamir Jamal, Mehran Mumtaz, and Salman Irshad, who each claimed a wicket, they were unable to contain the Sultans’ relentless onslaught. With calculated aggression and calculated strokes, the Multan Sultans reached their target with 9 balls to spare, sealing their place in the final of PSL 9.
With this remarkable victory, the Multan Sultans have set their sights on the ultimate prize in Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket tournament. Their journey to the final exemplifies their tenacity and determination to succeed on the grandest stage. As anticipation builds for the final showdown on March 18, 2024, cricket fans across the nation eagerly await the spectacle that promises to deliver excitement and drama till the very last ball.
