In a dominant display of cricketing skill and strategy, Peshawar Zalmi kept their PSL 2025 playoff hopes alive with a crushing seven-wicket victory over the struggling Multan Sultans. The clinical performance, spearheaded by Ahmed Daniyal’s fiery bowling and Saim Ayub’s explosive batting, saw Zalmi comfortably chase down a modest target of 109 in just 13 overs.
This commanding win not only boosts Zalmi’s net run rate but also sets up a thrilling virtual quarterfinal against Lahore Qalandars—a must-win for both sides to clinch a playoff berth.
Zalmi’s Bowlers Decimate Multan Sultans’ Batting Line-up
The match began with Multan opting to bat first at their home ground, but the decision backfired almost immediately. Zalmi’s bowling attack, led by Ahmed Daniyal (3 for 17), was relentless from the outset. Daniyal’s pace and precision saw him strike early, dismissing the dangerous Mohammad Rizwan with a stunning catch at square leg and later removing Tayyab Tahir with a short-pitched delivery that found the fielder at square.
Multan’s innings quickly unraveled, with six different Zalmi bowlers picking up wickets. Maaz Sadaqat contributed with 2 for 12, while the rest of the attack maintained discipline and pressure throughout the innings.
Multan never found momentum, struggling to get going in the Powerplay and failing to recover. While Shai Hope offered brief resistance with 23 runs and Mohammad Hasnain added a few late blows, the team limped to a below-par total of 108 all out, folding in under 18 overs.
Powerplay Pressure and Mid-Innings Collapse
The early Powerplay was a nightmare for the Sultans. Yasir Khan’s attempt to lap Saim Ayub ended in a simple catch at fine leg, and the failure of Rizwan to make an impact only compounded their troubles. Every time a partnership seemed to form, Zalmi’s bowlers responded with wickets.
A 26-run stand between Hope and Tahir was the only notable resistance. But once that was broken, Multan suffered a dramatic collapse—four wickets fell for just six runs, and from 60 for 2, they plunged to 66 for 6.
Ashton Turner’s dismissal—bowled around his legs by Maaz Sadaqat—was emblematic of the Sultans’ innings: careless and chaotic. By the end, even crossing the 100-run mark seemed like an achievement for a team completely outplayed.
Saim Ayub Leads Zalmi’s Confident Chase
Although Peshawar Zalmi lost Mitchell Owen early, any concerns were quickly put to rest by the aggressive strokeplay of Saim Ayub. He made an immediate impact, smashing Ubaid Shah for back-to-back sixes in an over that leaked 22 runs. Ayub narrowly missed out on a half-century, falling for 49, but his innings had already tilted the game beyond Multan’s reach.
There was some consolation for Shahid Aziz, who bowled with heart and picked up two wickets, including a peach that cleaned up Babar Azam—who continues his lean patch with the bat. However, these were mere blips in an otherwise one-sided contest.
Max Bryant’s Finishing Touch Powers Zalmi to Victory
Max Bryant, who had seen limited game time this season, grabbed his opportunity with both hands. He played a calm and calculated knock of 38 off just 20 balls*, punishing poor deliveries and taking advantage of Multan’s sloppy fielding. A dropped chance at slip allowed him to flourish, and he fittingly ended the match with three consecutive boundaries off Ubaid Shah.
Zalmi wrapped up the chase in just 13 overs, finishing at 110 for 3, underlining their superiority in every department.
Playoff Picture: Zalmi’s Path Still Open
With this emphatic win, Peshawar Zalmi remain in contention for the PSL 2025 playoffs. They now gear up for a crucial clash against Lahore Qalandars, which is shaping up to be a virtual quarterfinal. A win there would extend their record as the only PSL team never to miss the playoffs, a distinction they’ll be desperate to preserve.
On the other hand, Multan Sultans’ disappointing campaign continues, their playoff hopes virtually extinguished. Despite playing at home, their lack of intent and execution left fans frustrated and their campaign in tatters.
Key Takeaways from Zalmi vs Sultans:
- Ahmed Daniyal’s fiery spell set the tone with three crucial wickets.
- All six Zalmi bowlers contributed with at least one wicket.
- Multan Sultans collapsed for 108, continuing their poor season form.
- Saim Ayub’s 49 off 28 balls provided the perfect foundation for the chase.
- Max Bryant’s finishing flourish showcased Zalmi’s batting depth.
Conclusion
Peshawar Zalmi’s clinical performance against Multan Sultans proves they are peaking at the right time. With confidence soaring and their playoff destiny in their own hands, Zalmi are poised to make yet another deep run in the Pakistan Super League. For Multan, however, it’s time to reflect, regroup, and start planning for next season.
