06 May, 2025 | 09:40 AM
Peshawar Zalmi kept their PSL 2025 playoff hopes intact with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium. A disciplined bowling display led by Ahmed Daniyal skittled the Sultans for just 108, before Saim Ayub’s fluent 49 ensured Zalmi wrapped up the chase with seven overs to spare.
With a virtual quarterfinal against Lahore Qalandars looming, Zalmi needed a win from their remaining two matches to stay in contention — and they achieved it with minimal fuss against an out-of-form Multan side that continues to struggle this season.
The hosts, with little more than pride to play for, opted to bat first but failed to get going. Zalmi struck early, with Yasir Khan falling in the opening over while attempting an ill-advised scoop off Saim Ayub. Captain Mohammad Rizwan's poor form continued as he departed for a slow start, caught brilliantly by Daniyal at square leg.
Multan's innings never gained momentum. A brief 26-run partnership between Tayyab Tahir and Shai Hope offered some respite before another collapse ensued. Daniyal removed Tahir with a short ball, Maaz Sadaqat bowled Ashton Turner round his legs, and the middle order crumbled under pressure — losing four wickets for just six runs. Hope’s 23 and a few late blows from Mohammad Hasnain were the only resistance as Multan limped to 108 all out. Daniyal finished with figures of 3 for 17, while Sadaqat chipped in with 2 for 12.
Zalmi's reply was assertive, even after losing Mitchell Owen in the first over. Ayub soon took charge, smashing back-to-back sixes in a 22-run over off Ubai, which effectively put the result beyond doubt. Despite brief bright spots from Shahid Aziz — who dismissed Babar Azam and later Ayub just short of his fifty — the chase was straightforward.
Max Bryant, making only a limited appearance this season, took full advantage of Multan’s subpar fielding. After being dropped at slip, he hit three consecutive boundaries off Ubaid Shah to seal victory and finish unbeaten on 38.
The result not only lifts Zalmi's playoff hopes but also deepens Multan’s disappointing campaign. Peshawar now eye a do-or-die clash with Lahore Qalandars, while maintaining their proud record of never missing the PSL playoffs.
