RAWALPINDI: Peshawar Zalmi registered a commanding 120-run victory over Multan Sultans in the ninth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a clinical bowling performance led by debutant pacer Ali Raza.
After opting to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi overcame early setbacks to post a formidable 227 for seven.
Despite losing both openers — Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam — for just two runs each within the first three overs, the side staged a strong comeback through a series of aggressive partnerships.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Mohammad Haris stabilised the innings with a blistering 79-run stand off just 31 balls for the third wicket.
Haris struck 45 off 21 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes, before being dismissed by Ubaid Shah.
Kohler-Cadmore continued the onslaught, smashing 52 off 30 balls, featuring two fours and five sixes, before falling to Michael Bracewell.
Hussain Talat contributed 37 off 29 balls to keep the scoreboard ticking, but it was Abdul Samad and Mitchell Owen who ensured Peshawar Zalmi crossed the 200-mark.
Their 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket came in quick time, with Owen scoring 34 off 15 balls and Samad blasting 40 off just 14 deliveries, including four boundaries and three maximums.
For Multan Sultans, David Willey, Michael Bracewell and Ubaid Shah claimed two wickets each, while Iftikhar Ahmed took one.
In response, Multan’s chase fell apart early and never recovered, as they were bowled out for 107 in just 15.5 overs.
Ali Raza led the demolition with a fiery spell, taking 4 wickets, including a double-strike in one over that removed Michael Bracewell and Ashton Turner — a blow from which the Sultans could not recover.
Arif Yaqoob supported well with figures of 3 for 20, while Mitchell Owen picked up 2 for 15, capping off the innings with a brilliant four-ball burst, including a sharp diving catch by Abdul Samad.
Usman Khan was the only batter to offer some resistance, scoring 44 off 22 balls, but received little support from the other end as Multan Sultan’s middle and lower order collapsed without a fight.
Peshawar Zalmi’s dominant win not only boosts their net run rate but also sends a strong signal to other teams as the tournament enters a critical phase. The team’s decision to bat first, initially appearing risky, was vindicated by a complete performance with both bat and ball.
Multan Sultans Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Shai Hope, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Ashton Turner, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, David Willey, Usama Mir, Akif Javed and Ubaid Shah.
Peshawar Zalmi Playing XI
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom-Kohler Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Arif Yaqoob and Ali Raza.
