PSL 10: Peshawar Zalmi outclass Multan Sultans in one-sided clash

Peshawar Zalmi boosted their chances of reaching the PSL 10 playoffs with a convincing seven-wicket win over Multan Sultans in Match 25 at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a low target of 109 runs, Zalmi wrapped up the game in just 13 overs, losing only three wickets. This win marked their fourth of the season and brought them closer to the fourth-placed Lahore Qalandars in the points table.

Multan Sultans, who are at the bottom of the standings, chose to bat first but failed to build any momentum. They were bowled out for just 108 in 19.1 overs after a shaky start and multiple batting collapses.

Zalmi’s bowlers delivered a team effort, with Ahmed Daniyal leading the attack by picking up 3 wickets for 17 runs. Maaz Sadaqat and Luke Wood grabbed two wickets each, while Ali Raza, Alzarri Joseph, and Saim Ayub took one apiece.

In response, Zalmi lost Mitchell Owen early for just one run, but a quick 49-run stand between Saim Ayub and captain Babar Azam settled the chase. Babar struggled to find rhythm and was dismissed for eight off 13 balls. Ayub was the standout with a powerful 49 off 33 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and three sixes before falling to young pacer Shahid Aziz.

Aziz also removed Babar and ended with impressive figures of 2 for 17 in three overs. However, the damage was already done. Max Bryant then took charge, scoring an unbeaten 38 off just 20 balls, with five fours and a six. He shared a steady 40-run partnership with Mohammad Haris (7*), guiding Zalmi to an easy win.

Multan’s batting woes began early as both openers, Yasir Khan (10) and Mohammad Rizwan (17), were dismissed during the powerplay. Tayyab Tahir tried to fight back with 22 off 18 balls, but his dismissal triggered another collapse.

Shai Hope offered brief resistance, scoring 23 from 21 balls, while David Willey (8) and tailender Mohammad Hasnain (11) couldn’t add much to the total. Multan were bowled out on the first ball of the final over.

With this big win, Peshawar Zalmi keep their playoff hopes alive, while Multan Sultans face an uphill battle in the remaining match.