Multan Sultans clinched victory over Peshawar Zalmi by 7 wickets at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, securing their spot in the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.
Babar Azam won the toss and batted first, with Saim Ayub and Babar opening the innings against David Willey’s bowling. Willey got the breakthrough in the opening by dismissing Saim, who was caught at deep square leg. Despite Khushdil Shah conceding 10 runs in the second over, Babar continued to dominate, hitting three consecutive boundaries during the powerplay. Mohammad Ali claimed the wicket of Mohammad Haris, leaving Peshawar Zalmi at 51/2 after six overs.
Usama Mir further troubled Zalmi’s batting lineup by dismissing Haseebullah Khan, with the team scoring at 67/3 after ten overs. Despite a defensive approach, Chris Jordan managed to bowl out Babar for 46 runs in the 14th over, followed by Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s dismissal by Usama Mir. With the fall of wickets, Peshawar Zalmi reached 130/6 by the 18th over. Aamer Jamal’s attempt at a reverse scoop ended with him departing for just 1 run, as Zalmi concluded their innings at 146/7.
SEE HIGHLIGHTS — PSL 9 Highlights
In response, Multan Sultans’ innings began with Yasir Khan and Mohammad Rizwan opening against Mehran Mumtaz’s bowling. Yasir struck a maximum in the second ball of the innings, and Paul Walter conceded three boundaries in his over, with Multan reaching 36/0. By the end of the powerplay, they stood at 45/0, with Yasir scoring 30*. Rizwan departed in the 8th over after scoring a 21-ball 15. Yasir completed his half-century in the 9th over but fell to Mehran in the 11th. Usman Khan and Johnson Charles steadied the innings, with Multan reaching 109/2 by the 15th over. Salman Irshad dismissed Charles in the 17th over, but Iftikhar Ahmed’s consecutive boundaries eased Multan’s nerves. The chase concluded in the penultimate over with Usman remaining unbeaten on 36* and Iftikhar on 22*.
Saim Ayub bowled economically, conceding 17 runs in his four overs, while Mehran Mumtaz claimed one wicket, giving away 28 runs. Usama Mir was named the player of the match for his exceptional bowling performance.
