[CRK]

Kusal Mendis continued his red-hot form in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), steering Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding 24-run victory over Multan Sultans and maintaining their spot at the summit of the points table.

Kusal Leads the Charge

Winning the toss and electing to bat, Zalmi got off to a rocket start thanks to Mohammad Haris, who looked reborn at the top of the order. After a string of underwhelming performances, Haris exploded for 38 off just 17 balls, including five fours and three sixes. He targeted Mohammad Nawaz with particular ferocity, launching him for three sixes in a single over.

Although Babar Azam struggled to find rhythm—scoring 18 off 20 before falling—the momentum was already set. Enter Kusal Mendis, the in-form anchor and aggressor rolled into one. After a cautious beginning, Mendis unleashed his class, smashing two sixes off Arafat Minhas in the 13th over to ignite his innings.

Building the Total

Mendis soon shifted gears, bringing up his half-century with a commanding boundary off Mohammad Wasim Jr. He anchored the innings with crucial partnerships, first stitching a 63-run stand with Farhan Yousaf, before late cameos from Michael Bracewell and skipper Iftikhar Ahmed propelled Zalmi to a formidable 196 for 6 in their 20 overs. Mendis remained unbeaten on 68 off just 40 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries and two sixes.

Sultans’ Chase Fizzles Despite Glimmers

In reply, Multan Sultans began steadily. Josh Philippe and Steven Smith kept the required run rate under control, and after Iftikhar Ahmed dismissed Sahibzada Farhan (17 off 10), the game remained evenly poised.

But unlike Zalmi, the Sultans lacked a defining innings. Shan Masood briefly threatened, bludgeoning Aamer Jamal for 21 in the 13th over—including three consecutive boundaries—to shift momentum in Multan’s favor. At that stage, the chase looked very much alive.

Babar’s Bold Move and the Death Over Masterclass

However, captain Babar Azam made a decisive change, bringing on veteran all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed. The move paid off instantly as Masood, attempting to clear the ropes, miscued to deep cover. His impactful 35 off 19 came to an end, and with it, the spine of the Sultans’ chase.

That’s when Nahid Rana stepped into the spotlight. With the game on a knife’s edge, Nahid delivered one of the most disciplined death-overs spells of the season. In the 17th and 19th overs, he conceded just eight runs, consistently bowling above 147 kph and picking up two crucial wickets. His composure under pressure stifled the Sultans, who managed only 26 runs in the final five overs.

Muqeem’s Impact and Table-Toppers’ Statement

Sufiyan Muqeem provided the early breakthroughs with a tidy 3 for 30, dismantling key parts of the Sultans’ middle order. Alongside Nahid and Iftikhar, he ensured Zalmi’s bowlers executed the game plan to perfection.

The 24-run victory wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. Against the second-placed side in a high-pressure clash, Peshawar Zalmi showcased depth in batting, balanced contributions, and clinical death bowling.

With Kusal Mendis in sublime touch and their bowlers stepping up when it mattered, Zalmi remain unbeaten and firmly at No. 1 in the PSL standings. For the Sultans, questions remain about their ability to chase down big totals under pressure—especially when their star batsmen fail to convert starts.

As the league phase heats up, Peshawar Zalmi have sent a clear message: they are title contenders in peak form.