Peshawar Zalmi delivered a dominant performance, crushing Multan Sultans by a record-breaking 120 runs in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. This resounding victory marks Zalmi’s first win of the tournament and sends a strong message to their competitors.
Zalmi’s captain, Babar Azam, won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite a shaky start losing both openers early, the team staged a remarkable comeback. Mohammad Haris (45 off 21) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (52 off 30) ignited the innings with a blistering 79-run partnership. Their aggressive approach laid the foundation for a formidable total.
The momentum continued with Hussain Talat (37 off 29), Mitchell Owen (34 off 15), and Abdul Samad (40 off 14) maintaining the onslaught. Samad’s explosive hitting, striking at a rate of 285.71, propelled Zalmi to a commanding total. Multan Sultans’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Akif Javed and Usama Mir proving particularly expensive.
Multan Sultans’ chase never gained traction. Despite Mohammad Rizwan’s early six, he fell victim to a well-executed leg-break by Saim Ayub. The Sultans’ batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with key players like Shai Hope and Usman Khan failing to make an impact. The 17-year-old pace sensation, Ali Raza, was the star performer with the ball, dismantling the Sultans’ middle order with a fiery spell. He consistently clocked speeds in the high 140s and claimed crucial wickets, including Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Ashton Turner, and Iftikhar Ahmed. His dismissal of Turner, a delivery that jagged back sharply to shatter the stumps, highlighted his immense potential. Raza, previously lauded as a “superstar in the making” by Ian Bishop during the T20 World Cup, further solidified his reputation with this impressive display.
The Sultans were eventually bowled out well short of their target, slumping to their third consecutive defeat in the tournament. This emphatic win serves as a significant boost for Peshawar Zalmi, potentially igniting their PSL 2025 campaign.
This match showcased a compelling contrast in batting approaches. Zalmi’s aggressive intent, even after losing early wickets, proved decisive. Their calculated risk-taking and powerful hitting throughout the innings put immense pressure on the Sultans. Conversely, the Sultans struggled to adapt to the challenging target and succumbed to the pressure exerted by Zalmi’s bowlers, particularly Ali Raza. The match underscores the importance of maintaining a positive approach in T20 cricket, even in the face of adversity.
“We needed this win,” a relieved Babar Azam commented after the match. “The boys showed great character to bounce back after the initial setbacks. Ali Raza’s performance was particularly pleasing. He’s a special talent.” This victory sets the stage for an exciting PSL season, with Peshawar Zalmi now looking to build on this momentum.
