KARACHI: In-form wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis smashed an unbeaten half-century to propel Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding total of 196 runs against Multan Sultans in the 22nd match of PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Monday.
Multan Sultans captain Ashton Turner’s decision to field first proved costly as the league leaders piled up a formidable score in their allotted 20 overs.
Peshawar Zalmi posted a total of 196-6 against Multan Sultans.#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #MSvPZ pic.twitter.com/BHblBO70d4
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 13, 2026
Flying start from Zalmi openers
Peshawar Zalmi roared out of the blocks as opening pair Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam put together a brisk 48-run partnership. Haris dominated the stand, smashing a blistering 40 runs off just 17 deliveries, including four sixes and three fours, before falling to Peter Siddle in the fifth over.
Skipper Babar Azam then added a brief 24-run second-wicket stand with Kusal Mendis before departing in the eighth over. Babar scored a cautious 18 runs off 20 balls, hitting just one six, as Mohammad Nawaz claimed his wicket.
📸from #MSvPZ first innings#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/ahN4K3xdOh
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 13, 2026
Middle-order dominance
Kusal Mendis then joined forces with emerging batter Farhan Yousaf, and the pair took control of the crucial middle phase. Together they added 63 runs from just 38 deliveries until Mohammad Wasim Jr provided Multan Sultans with a much-needed breakthrough in the 15th over. Farhan walked back after scoring 30 runs off 22 balls, featuring three sixes.
The wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis then stitched a 34-run fourth-wicket partnership with Michael Bracewell, who contributed 14 runs. Both batters were dismissed by Mohammad Ismail in the 18th over.
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚: Peter Siddle wins this one as he gets Iftikhar’s wicket!#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #MSvPZ pic.twitter.com/FQ5lP6ThOB
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 13, 2026
Mendis shines as Iftikhar adds late flourish
Kusal Mendis remained the top scorer for Peshawar Zalmi, crafting a quickfire 68 runs off just 40 deliveries, beautifully decorated with four boundaries and three sixes.
Following his departure, middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed added valuable late runs to Peshawar Zalmi’s total with an 11-run cameo off only five deliveries before falling to Peter Siddle in the final over.
For Multan Sultans, Peter Siddle and Mohammad Ismail were the standout bowlers, claiming two wickets each. Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim Jr chipped in with one scalp apiece, but the Sultans bowlers struggled to contain the Zalmi batters throughout the innings.
