Peshawar Zalmi delivered a strong batting performance to set a challenging target of 197 runs against Multan Sultans in the 22nd match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11. The match was played at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Monday, where Zalmi’s batting lineup fired collectively to post 196/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Multan Sultans captain Ashton Turner opted to field first after winning the toss, but the decision did not work in his side’s favor as Zalmi’s top and middle order capitalized on the conditions and built a competitive total.
The innings began with an aggressive approach from Zalmi’s opening pair, Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam. The duo provided a quick start, putting together a 48-run partnership that set the tone for the innings. Haris looked in exceptional touch from the beginning, attacking the bowlers with confidence and timing. He played a rapid knock of 40 runs off just 17 balls, smashing four sixes and three boundaries before being dismissed by Peter Siddle in the fifth over.
After Haris’ dismissal, captain Babar Azam continued to anchor the innings briefly. He partnered with Kusal Mendis for a short 24-run stand for the second wicket. However, Babar struggled to maintain fluency and eventually fell in the eighth over after scoring 18 runs off 20 balls, including one six, as Mohammad Nawaz claimed his wicket.
Following Babar’s departure, Kusal Mendis took charge of the innings and stabilized Zalmi’s batting effort. He was joined by young batter Farhan Yousaf, and together they accelerated the scoring during the middle overs. The pair added 63 runs in just 38 deliveries, keeping the scoreboard moving at a strong pace and putting pressure back on the Multan Sultans bowlers.
Farhan Yousaf played a useful supporting role in the partnership, scoring a quick 30 runs off 22 balls, hitting three sixes before being dismissed by Mohammad Wasim Jr in the 15th over. His wicket provided Multan with a much-needed breakthrough, but Zalmi had already built a strong foundation by then.
Kusal Mendis continued to dominate the opposition attack with his aggressive yet controlled batting. He showed excellent shot selection and power-hitting ability, particularly during the middle overs when he took on both pace and spin confidently. Mendis remained the standout performer for Zalmi, scoring a brilliant 68 runs off 40 deliveries, including four fours and three sixes.
After the dismissal of Farhan Yousaf, Mendis was joined by Michael Bracewell, and the duo added another valuable 34-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bracewell contributed 14 runs before he was dismissed by Mohammad Ismail in the 18th over, as Multan attempted a late comeback by striking at regular intervals.
Despite losing partners, Mendis kept the momentum alive for Zalmi. However, he eventually fell after completing a crucial innings that had anchored the team’s total and ensured a strong finish. His wicket came at a time when Zalmi were looking to accelerate further in the final overs.
In the closing stage of the innings, Iftikhar Ahmed provided a quick cameo, scoring 11 runs off just 5 balls. His short but impactful innings added valuable runs in the death overs before he was also dismissed by Peter Siddle in the final over of the innings.
For Multan Sultans, the bowling effort was led effectively by Peter Siddle and Mohammad Ismail, who both claimed two wickets each. Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim Jr also contributed with one wicket apiece, helping restrict Zalmi from crossing the 200-run mark despite their aggressive start.
Overall, Peshawar Zalmi’s innings was built on a powerful opening burst, a stabilizing middle phase led by Kusal Mendis, and useful contributions throughout the lineup. The target of 197 set up an exciting chase for Multan Sultans in what promises to be a thrilling contest in PSL 11.
