- May 6, 2025
In a detailed display of superiority, Peshawar Zalmi completely decimated the Multan Sultans by seven wickets in an unexpected chase of seven overs, giving them hope that they could extend their unbeaten record of playoff qualifying. If you can even call it a contest, the complete dominance of Zalmi highlighted the stark difference in form and intent between the two teams. Zalmi must win one of the two matches so that they can turn things around and play in another qualifier against the Lahore Qalandars.
Multan’s Misery with the Bat
Batting first at home, the Sultans did little and could not hide their frustrations. Their innings never had a pulse, as they were suffocated right from the start of the Powerplay. Yasir Khan’s dismissal was the first indication of the Sultan’s troubles; he played a ridiculous lap shot against Saim Ayub, and as a result, was out for a single (caught at short third man). The only other moment that had a telling blow was when Multan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, was cheaply dismissed thanks to a magnificent catch by Ahmed Daniyal, who both dived forward from cover. From there, it was nearly a one-way demolition job without the slightest resistance.
Tayyab Tahir and Shai Hope delayed the inevitable, however, only temporarily, adding 26 runs, without any momentum or sense of urgency. Daniyal’s breakthrough, a catch at square leg as Tahir hooked, opened the floodgates. Maaz Sadaqat bowled Ashton Turner behind his legs, and within a few overs, Multan fell from 60 for 2 to 66 for 6, completely losing control in the process.
Zalmi Cruise Through the Chase
Even with a little drama at the start, there was never really a doubt about the outcome of this match. Mitchell Owen had an early exit, but Saim Ayub was quick to show us his intentions. The way he went about the innings ensured that there was nothing to worry about. He then blasted Ubaid Shah for two sixes in an over that went for 22 runs, so the doubts were soon erased. Shahid Aziz gave the Sultans some entertainment by dismissing both Babar Azam and then Saim Ayub, one more time, one short of a well-earned half-century, before the Sultans were an interesting piece of statistical trivia.
Zalmi’s Ruthless Finish and Multan’s Season in Decline
Max Bryant then took center stage. A bit player in the season, he did so with a lightning, merciless innings. He capitalized on Multan poor bowling & fielding to rattle some boundaries of his own, including three off the bowling of the hapless Shahnawaz Dahani, to seal the win in grand style.
Not only does the victory keep Peshawar Zalmi alive for a playoff position, but it also shines a light on the decline of Multan Sultans this season. As Zalmi gear up for a vital match against Lahore, Multan will need to consider a season made up of inconsistent and meek efforts. For now, Zalmi can enjoy a win that was clinical in its approach and effortlessness, which reiterates their reputation as one of the most resilient and consistent teams in the tournament’s history.
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