Peshawar Zalmi secured a thrilling victory over Multan Sultans by a narrow margin of 5 runs at Multan Cricket Stadium, with Naveen-ul-Haq displaying nerves of steel to seal the win in the final over.
In Match 9, Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bat first. Saim Ayub and Babar Azam opened the innings, facing David Willey’s new ball. Despite Willey’s initial struggle with swing, Babar found success against Mohammad Ali. However, Saim fell in the 4th over to Shahnawaz Dahani’s delivery, prompting Dahani’s trademark celebration.
Haseebullah, coming in at one down, made a statement with powerful hits, including consecutive maximums off Iftikhar Ahmed, before Babar’s dismissal to Usama Mir. Haseebullah continued his aggressive batting but was eventually caught out for a brisk 37 off 18 balls. Usama Mir’s catch removed Mohammad Haris, followed by Rovman Powell’s departure after a brisk 23.
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Despite their efforts, Zalmi posted 179-8 in 20 overs, with David Willey and Mohammad Ali impressing with the ball.
Multan Sultans commenced their innings with Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan. Rizwan’s dismissal for a duck off Luke Wood’s delivery initiated a slow start, with Yasir anchoring the innings. However, Yasir’s departure for 43 in the 9th over shifted momentum.
Dawid Malan’s aggressive play in the 12th over hinted at a comeback for Multan, but he fell for 52 off Walter’s delivery. Reeza Hendricks followed suit, departing for 28 after a challenging delivery from Salman Irshad.
Debutant Arif Yaqoob made an impact in the 17th over, claiming three crucial wickets. Despite Abbas Afridi’s efforts, Multan fell short. Naveen-ul-Haq had to defend 22 runs in the final over, conceding 16 off the first four balls but ultimately sealing the win by dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed and Shahnawaz Dahani.
Luke Wood’s impressive bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match title, with figures of 2 wickets for 13 runs.