[CRK] Kusal Mendis and Sufiyan Muqeem Shine as Peshawar Zalmi Beat Multan Sultans

[CRK]

Peshawar Zalmi Maintain Unbeaten Streak in High-Stakes Clash

In a battle between the league’s top two sides, Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious, defeating Multan Sultans by 24 runs. The encounter, which was match number 22 of the season, was a masterclass in execution under pressure, as Zalmi defended their total of 196 for 6, restricting the Sultans to 172 for 8.

Kusal Mendis and Mohammad Haris Set the Tone

After being put in to bat by the Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi’s innings began with an explosive start. While Babar Azam struggled for fluency, scoring a torrid 18 off 20 balls, Mohammad Haris found his form in spectacular fashion. Haris targeted Mohammad Nawaz, smashing three sixes in the second over and racing to 38 off just 17 deliveries before his departure in the fifth over.

The momentum was then shifted to Kusal Mendis, whose golden campaign continues to show no signs of slowing down. After a tentative start, Mendis accelerated his scoring rate, plundering Mohammad Wasim for three boundaries and smashing two sixes off Arafat Minhas. Mendis played a pivotal role in the innings, scoring a brilliant 68 off 40 balls, marking his third fifty-plus score of the tournament.

Mendis was well-supported by Farhan Yousaf, who shared a 63-run partnership, as well as valuable cameos from Michael Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed, helping Zalmi reach a formidable total of 196.

The Sultans’ Chase: A Tale of Two Halves

The Multan Sultans’ chase began steadily. Josh Philippe and Steven Smith kept the scoring rate respectable during the first ten overs, despite Iftikhar Ahmed removing the dangerous Sahibzada Farhan for 17 off 10 balls. For the first 15 overs, the match remained balanced, with neither side appearing to have a definitive edge.

However, the Sultans lacked a cohesive anchor like Kusal Mendis to hold the innings together. The Zalmi bowling attack, led by Sufiyan Muqeem, who claimed 3 for 30, consistently punctured the Sultans’ batting lineup. This lack of stability prevented Multan from building a meaningful partnership.

The Turning Point: Masood’s Cameo and Iftikhar’s Masterstroke

Despite the setbacks, Multan Sultans appeared to be back in the hunt thanks to breezy contributions from captain Ashton Turner and Shan Masood. Masood, in particular, was aggressive, taking down Aamer Jamal in a 21-run over that momentarily shifted the momentum in Multan’s favor.

However, in what proved to be a masterstroke, Babar Azam turned to Iftikhar Ahmed. The veteran’s experience and “golden arm” delivered exactly what needed, drawing Masood (who had scored 35 off 19) into a miscue at deep cover, ending the threat.

Clinical Death Overs by Nahid Rana

The game was concluded with one of the best death-over displays of the season. Nahid Rana was sensational, conceding just eight runs across the 17th and 19th overs, picking up two crucial wickets. Bowling at speeds exceeding 147 kph, Rana’s raw pace and accuracy shut the door on the Sultans.

The final five overs yielded a mere 26 runs, ensuring a comfortable 24-run victory for Zalmi. What had looked like a competitive contest just 20 minutes earlier was swiftly decided by Zalmi’s clinical execution at the end.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi continues to stay at the No. 1 spot, remaining unbeaten in the season thus far.