Zalmi Beat Sultans Easily With 42 Balls Left in PSL 10

Zalmi Beat Sultans

Peshawar Zalmi ignited their playoff ambitions with a commanding seven-wicket win over Multan Sultans in Match 25 of the Pakistan Super League 10 at Multan Cricket Stadium. Chasing a modest 109, Zalmi made light work of the total, wrapping up the game in just 13 overs. Their fourth win of the season pushed them closer to a spot in the top four, narrowing the gap with Lahore Qalandars in the points table.

The match was a spectacle of dominance, with Zalmi showcasing a perfect blend of bowling precision and batting aggression. While Multan Sultans collapsed under pressure with a dismal batting display, Zalmi capitalized on the opportunity to stamp their authority. As the league enters its crucial phase, this win significantly enhances Zalmi playoff hopes, while Multan are left grappling with a difficult path forward.

Zalmi Bowling Unit Fires in Unison

Peshawar Zalmi win was built on the foundation of a disciplined and clinical bowling performance. Ahmed Daniyal emerged as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 17, exploiting the pitch conditions expertly. His early breakthroughs put Multan on the back foot, disrupting any plans they had to post a competitive total.

Maaz Sadaqat and Luke Wood chipped in with two wickets apiece, maintaining relentless pressure from both ends. The duo bowled tight lines, never allowing the batters to settle. Supporting the frontline attack were Ali Raza, Alzarri Joseph, and Saim Ayub, each of whom claimed a wicket, demonstrating the depth of Zalmi bowling arsenal. It was a complete team effort that broke Multan batting spine early on.

Zalmi Beat Sultans

Multan Sultans Collapse Under Pressure

Opting to bat first on their home ground, Multan Sultans crumbled spectacularly, getting bowled out for just 108 in 19.1 overs. Their innings lacked cohesion and composure, marred by soft dismissals and poor shot selection. The tone was set during the powerplay when both openers, Yasir Khan and Mohammad Rizwan, departed cheaply.

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Tayyab Tahir tried to initiate a recovery with a 22-run cameo but fell just when stability was needed. Shai Hope looked promising with a brisk 23 off 21 deliveries, but his dismissal triggered another collapse. With no significant partnerships, the Sultans’ innings never gained momentum. Their inability to rotate strike and the absence of intent in the middle overs highlighted a lack of clarity in approach.

Ahmed Daniyal Leads the Zalmi Attack

Ahmed Daniyal was the standout performer with the ball, not only picking up key wickets but also applying sustained pressure. He extracted good pace and bounce from the surface, targeting the stumps and forcing errors from the Multan batters. His dismissal of Rizwan was a turning point, breaking the top-order resistance early.

Daniyal third wicket came during a crucial middle-over phase, where Multan were attempting to rebuild. His disciplined spell ensured that the Sultans never recovered from the early jolts. With this performance, he strengthened his reputation as a reliable pace option for Zalmi during critical phases of the match.

Saim Ayub Explosive Start in the Chase

Zalmi reply began with a minor hiccup as Mitchell Owen was dismissed for just one run. However, Saim Ayub quickly turned the tide with a dazzling display of attacking cricket. He smashed 49 off 33 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes, dismantling Multan bowling attack with ease.

Ayub approach was fearless yet calculated. He capitalized on the loose deliveries and rotated strike effectively, ensuring the required run rate was never a concern. His partnership with Babar Azam provided early momentum, setting up the chase for a comfortable finish. Though he narrowly missed a half-century, his innings was a clear match-defining contribution.

Babar Azam Struggle Continues

While Babar Azam added stability with an early partnership alongside Ayub, his own performance remained underwhelming. Scoring just eight runs off 13 deliveries, Babar struggled to find timing and rhythm on a surface that favored stroke play. His dismissal to Shahid Aziz raised concerns about his recent dip in form.

Despite his minimal contribution, Babar leadership and strategic decisions remain vital for Zalmi. However, the team will be hoping for a more fluent version of their captain in the upcoming fixtures, especially as the playoff race tightens. His ability to anchor the innings is crucial, but it must be coupled with more impactful scoring.

Shahid Aziz Impresses with the Ball

In a rare positive for Multan Sultans, young pacer Shahid Aziz made a strong impression with the ball. He picked up two vital wickets . Babar Azam and Saim Ayub and finished with commendable figures of 2 for 17 in three overs. His ability to generate pace and extract bounce made him a standout in an otherwise forgettable outing for Multan.

Aziz bowled with maturity beyond his years, hitting the right lengths and forcing Zalmi batters into errors. His breakthrough spell briefly revived hopes for the Sultans, but the lack of support from the other bowlers diluted its impact. Nevertheless, Aziz remains a bright prospect for the franchise.

Max Bryant Seals the Deal in Style

With the platform set, Max Bryant walked in and played a fluent knock, scoring 38 off just 20 balls. His stroke play was crisp, and he wasted no time in asserting dominance over the bowlers. Bryant innings included five boundaries and a six, showcasing his ability to finish games efficiently.

His partnership with Mohammad Haris was steady, adding 40 runs and ensuring there were no hiccups during the final phase of the chase. Haris played the supporting role to perfection, allowing Bryant to control the pace of the innings. Their calm and calculated approach eliminated any chance of a late twist in the game.

Zalmi Playoff Hopes Get a Boost

With this commanding win, Peshawar Zalmi moved closer to the playoff spots, significantly improving their net run rate. Their fourth win of the season not only brought them within touching distance of Lahore Qalandars but also sent a clear message to other playoff contenders.

Consistency in team performances and strategic balance have been Zalmi strength this season. If their key players continue to deliver, especially in high-pressure games, Zalmi could emerge as dark horses in the title race. Their momentum heading into the business end of the league is crucial for their qualification hopes.

Full Highlights | Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi | Match 25 | HBL PSL X

Multan Season on the Brink

For Multan Sultans, the loss was another blow in an already challenging campaign. With only a handful of matches remaining, their path to the playoffs appears increasingly improbable. Their batting unit inability to post even par totals has been a recurring issue, and the lack of depth has further exposed their vulnerabilities.

The team will need a complete turnaround — both in mindset and execution — to salvage their season. With tough fixtures ahead, Multan must regroup quickly and deliver all-round performances if they wish to stay in contention.

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