PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi beat Multan Sultans by 24 runs 

Karachi (Web Desk): Kusal Mendis produced a stylish half-century and Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a controlled three-wicket spell as Peshawar Zalmi defeated Multan Sultans by 24 runs in the 22nd clash of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Monday.

Set a demanding 197 to win, the Sultans could only reach 172 for eight in their 20 overs, slipping to their second loss of the tournament. Their chase got off to an uneasy start when Sahibzada Farhan departed early with just 30 on the board.

Steve Smith and Josh Philippe attempted to stabilise things with a 55-run partnership, but Muqeem swung the momentum sharply by removing both in a decisive 10th over. Philippe played an aggressive cameo of 32 from 17 deliveries, while Smith contributed a measured 31 off 29.

Vice-captain Shan Masood tried to keep the contest alive with a brisk 35, building handy stands with skipper Ashton Turner and Arafat Minhas.

However, his dismissal in the 16th over proved a turning point as the innings began to lose direction. Wickets fell at regular intervals thereafter, with Nahid Rana striking twice late, including the important dismissal of Mohammad Wasim Jr.

 In the final over, Aamir Jamal held his nerve and conceded very little, sealing a comfortable win. Muqeem finished as the standout bowler with 3 for 30, while Iftikhar Ahmed and Rana claimed two wickets each, and Jamal chipped in with one.

Earlier, Turner’s choice to field first did not pay off as Zalmi posted a strong 196 for six. Openers Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam set the tone with a lively 48-run start, with Haris taking the aggressive route in his 40 off just 17 balls before falling in the fifth over. Babar, on the other hand, struggled to find rhythm and was dismissed for 18.

Mendis then took control of the innings, combining with Farhan Yousaf for a crucial 63-run partnership that kept the scoring rate healthy. Yousaf made 30 from 22 balls before departing in the 15th over. 
Mendis continued to dictate terms and later added another 34 runs alongside Michael Bracewell before both batters fell in quick succession towards the end.

The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with a fluent 68 off 40 deliveries, decorated with boundaries and sixes, while a late burst from Iftikhar helped push Zalmi close to the 200 mark.

For the Sultans, Peter Siddle and Mohammad Ismail picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Nawaz and Wasim Jr took one apiece.