In a masterful display of cricketing prowess, Multan Sultans booked their place in the PSL final for the fourth consecutive time, exhibiting clinical efficiency in a comfortable win over Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier clash at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi aimed to replicate their successful defense in the previous league match. However, their efforts fell short as Multan’s bowlers restricted them to a below-par total of 146 runs.
In a chase that never seemed in doubt, Multan Sultans’ batsmen, led by Yasir Khan’s blistering half-century, chased down the target with seven wickets and nine balls to spare. The early dominance, especially in the powerplay overs where they raced to 80/1, set the tone for the Sultans’ victory.
The partnership between Yasir Khan and Mohammad Rizwan ensured stability, with the former’s aggressive innings complemented by valuable contributions from Usman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed towards the end.
Multan’s bowlers orchestrated a mid-innings squeeze after Zalmi’s brisk start, with Mohammad Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Usama Mir stifling the opposition’s scoring rate. Chris Jordan’s exceptional spell, featuring crucial wickets and economical bowling, further dented Zalmi’s hopes of posting a competitive total.
Despite Babar Azam’s valiant effort with the bat, Zalmi failed to capitalize on their early momentum, eventually succumbing to Multan’s bowling prowess.
In the end, Multan Sultans emerged victorious with a convincing seven-wicket win, highlighting their dominance in the tournament and setting the stage for an exciting final showdown.
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