Multan, February 23, 2024 – In a nail-biting encounter at Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan Sultans faced their first defeat of the season at the hands of Peshawar Zalmi in the 9th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine on Friday.
The clash proved to be a rollercoaster of emotions as Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious by a slender margin of five runs.
Winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi opted to bat first and set a challenging target for Multan Sultans. In their allotted 20 overs, Peshawar Zalmi posted a formidable total of 179 for the loss of eight wickets. Haseebullah Khan, Babar Azam, and Rovman Powell were the standout performers with the bat for Peshawar Zalmi.
The bowling prowess of Multan Sultans was on full display, with Muhammad Ali leading the attack by claiming two crucial wickets for just 23 runs in his four-over spell. David Willey and Usama Mir also contributed significantly, each securing two wickets to restrict Peshawar Zalmi’s scoring momentum.
Chasing a target of 180 runs, Multan Sultans showcased resilience and determination in their pursuit. Dawid Malan played a scintillating inning, contributing 52 runs off just 25 balls, while Yasir Khan added 43 runs to the team’s total in 37 balls. Despite Reeza Hendricks’ valiant effort of 28 runs in 27 balls, Multan Sultans fell short, reaching a total of 174 runs, ultimately succumbing to the pressure imposed by Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers.
Peshawar Zalmi’s bowling unit took center stage, with Arif Yaqoob delivering an outstanding performance by claiming three wickets for 43 runs in his four-over spell. Luke Wood and Salman Irshad also made significant contributions, securing two wickets each and putting Multan Sultans on the back foot.
The player of the match title was awarded to Luke Wood of Peshawar Zalmi for his exceptional all-round performance. Wood not only played a pivotal role in the bowling attack by taking two crucial wickets but also showcased his batting prowess by scoring an unbeaten 17 runs, steering his team to a thrilling victory.
The defeat marked the end of Multan Sultans’ unbeaten streak in PSL 9, emphasizing the competitiveness of the tournament. Fans can expect more exhilarating clashes as the season progresses, with teams vying for supremacy and a coveted spot in the playoffs.