PSL 9: Peshawar Zalmi register narrow win over Multan Sultans in thriller

Peshawar Zalmi secured a significant win over the league leaders Multan Sultans, winning by a narrow margin of four runs in the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The crucial encounter took place at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, where Zalmi successfully defended the target of 205 by limiting Sultans to 200/5.

In pursuit of the target, Multan Sultans began the chase aggressively, with Mohammad Rizwan leading the charge from the start. However, Zalmi turned the tide, particularly through the economical bowling of PSL debutant Mehran Mumtaz.

Despite Rizwan's contribution of 32 runs in 24 balls, his run-out by Aamer Jamal disrupted Sultans' momentum.

The middle phase of Sultans' innings witnessed a slowdown, with Dawid Malan and Tayyab Tahir at the crease. Malan made 19 runs off 19 balls before a stunning catch by Asif Ali sent him back. Tayyab Tahir added 26 runs in 18 balls.

Iftikhar Ahmed injected energy into the chase with a blistering innings, scoring an unbeaten 60 runs off 27 balls at a phenomenal strike rate of 222.22, supported by Chris Jordan's quick 30 runs off 12 balls. However, their efforts fell just four runs short of the target.

Peshawar Zalmi had opted to bat first, accumulating a formidable total of 204/5 in their allotted 20 overs. The opening duo of Babar and Saim provided a solid foundation with an impressive partnership of 84 runs.

Saim fell just short of a half-century, scoring 46 off 22 deliveries. Babar Azam played a pivotal role, carrying his bat until the 15th over, contributing a brilliant half-century with 64 runs off 40 balls. Babar's partnership with Haseebullah Khan (31 runs) and Rovman Powell's unbeaten cameo (23 runs) propelled Zalmi to a competitive total.

Usama Mir led the bowling attack for Multan Sultans, finishing with figures of 3/32.