Multan Sultans vs. Peshawar Zalmi: Thrilling Encounter at HBL PS

The clash at Pindi Cricket Stadium witnessed a riveting battle between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi. Despite Iftikhar Ahmed’s impressive power-hitting, Peshawar Zalmi secured victory. The HBL PSL encounter showcased Babar Azam’s leadership and the dynamic performances of key players, making it a memorable match for cricket enthusiasts.

Multan Sultans: A Team on the Rise

Multan Sultans, one of the franchises in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), has emerged as a formidable force in the cricketing landscape. Led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, the Sultans boast a lineup of talented players, including the power-hitting sensation Iftikhar Ahmed, who has earned acclaim for his explosive batting displays.

Multan’s aggressive intent to chase down the formidable target was crystal clear when Mohammad Rizwan confidently stepped down the track and launched Saim for a six on the very first ball of the innings.

Rizwan followed it up with a staggering sweep shot for four, while his opening partner Reeza Hendricks elegantly dispatched a boundary against pacer Luke Wood. However, runs were not coming easily, especially after the introduction of left-arm spinner Mehran Mumtaz, who posed a challenge for the batsmen.

The debutant bowler displayed maturity and eventually induced a leading edge off Hendricks’ bat, resulting in the dismissal of the South African in the fifth over. By the end of the powerplay, Multan had reached 40-1.

Their troubles deepened when a communication mix-up between Rizwan and Dawid Malan led to the former being run out at the non-striker’s end, courtesy of a pinpoint throw by Aamer.

However, Multan received a lifeline when Tayyab Tahir was dropped in the ninth over by Mehran, with the batsman on just two runs. Tayyab capitalized on this opportunity, smashing Salman for two boundaries in the subsequent over, taking Multan to 73-2 at the halfway stage.

Iftikhar Ahmed’s Heroics

RAWALPINDI: The crowd at Pindi Cricket Stadium enthusiastically chanted “Chacha, Chacha,” eagerly anticipating an “Iftimania” — a term that has recently gained prominence as a descriptor for Iftikhar Ahmed’s explosive power-hitting performances.

Spectators seem to relish match-winning innings from the Pakistani all-rounder even more when they come from him than from other players.

On Tuesday night, the stage was set for Iftikhar to lead the charge for Multan Sultans against Peshawar Zalmi in the HBL Pakistan Super League match.

Coming in to bat when Multan had only scored 91 out of a required 205-run target that Zalmi had set — thanks to captain Babar Azam’s half century and an impactful knock by Saim Ayub — Iftikhar had a near-impossible task with four wickets down and just 48 balls at hand.

But as expected from the muscular batter, he showed muscle to start off the rescue mission with two fours off Salman Irshad’s slingy pace.

Zalmi pacer Aamer Jamal was not making it any easier for Iftikhar and Khushdil Shah at the other end, bowling with accuracy and leaking no runs whatsoever.

While Khushdil failed to relent the pressure as he fell to Naveen-ul-Haq in the 16th over, the arriving Chris Jordan became Iftikhar’s partner in crime.

The Englishman cleared backward point and long-off for sixes against Naveen and Wood right at the start of his knock, and then it was time for Iftikhar to make the Multan camp believe.

With his immense power, Iftikhar smashed Aamer over long-on and deep fine-leg for three sixes in the 18th over. He kept Multan’s hopes alive, hitting Naveen for a four and a six in the penultimate over. However, a decent last over under pressure by Salman kept Multan from scoring the remaining 23 runs, despite Jordan’s two boundaries and a handsome straight six by Iftikhar (60 off 27), as Zalmi won by four runs.

Facing a daunting target set by Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Sultans needed a herculean effort from their batsmen. Enter Iftikhar Ahmed, whose explosive batting exploits have earned him the moniker of ‘Iftimania’. With fearless strokeplay and sheer determination, Iftikhar launched a spirited counterattack, keeping Multan’s hopes alive until the final moments of the match.

Peshawar Zalmi: A Strong Contender

However, an exceptional fielding display by Asif Ali resulted in Aamer claiming his first wicket. Aamer soared into the air at deep square leg, snaring Dawid Malan in the 12th over. Aamer struck again, dismissing Tayyab and sending him back to the pavilion. The right-hander was caught in the deep by Saim, leaving the responsibility to handle the situation on Iftikhar.

Earlier, Babar’s 64 off 40 and Saim’s 46 off 22 played a pivotal role in propelling Zalmi to a massive total. Saim kickstarted the innings with his trademark no-look shot for a six, setting the tone alongside Babar.

Following Saim’s audacious shot that lifted David Willey for another maximum, Babar joined the party. He executed a cracking drive through extra-cover off Mohammad Ali in the third over, dispatching the pacer for yet another boundary. Not to be outdone, Saim lofted him over square-leg for another six and cut him over backward point for four more.

Spinners Khushdil and Iftikhar also found themselves in the crosshairs of the openers as Zalmi cruised to 71-0 by the end of the powerplay.

Saim welcomed Usama Mir into the attack with two powerful slog-sweeps for a six each. However, a momentary lapse in concentration led to the left-hander being trapped lbw by the leg-spinner. The third umpire confirmed the decision after a review.

Saim’s dismissal put a stranglehold on Peshawar’s run-flow, and Usama capitalized on it by dismissing Tom Kohler-Cadmore in the 10th over. The Englishman mistimed a shot, and Tayyab took a well-judged catch at deep midwicket, leaving Zalmi at 100-5 at the halfway stage.

Breaking the boundary drought of nearly four overs, Haseebullah struck two fours through the off-side. Then, Babar stepped up, lifting Usama for his first six in the 12th over. In the 14th over, Haseebullah showcased an audacious pick-up shot off Ali, helping Zalmi regain momentum.

Meanwhile, Babar reached his fifty-run mark in just 35 balls. He continued his assault, smashing Ali for another six and Usama for four more before falling victim to the leg-spinner. Haseebullah was dismissed by pacer Jordan, but cameos from Rovman Powell, Asif, and Aamer propelled Peshawar beyond the 200-run mark.

Babar Azam’s Brilliance

From the outset, Babar Azam showcased his class, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and sixes to propel Peshawar Zalmi to a commanding total. His elegant strokeplay and astute captaincy were instrumental in guiding his team to a competitive position.

On the opposite side of the pitch, Peshawar Zalmi stands as a strong contender in the PSL, known for its aggressive style of play and star-studded lineup. With players like Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Aamer Jamal in their ranks, the Zalmi team poses a formidable challenge to any opponent.

Pindi Cricket Stadium: A Hub of Cricket Excitement

Located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, the Pindi Cricket Stadium stands as a bastion of cricketing excitement and fervor. With its rich history and passionate crowds, this iconic venue has witnessed countless memorable moments in the world of cricket.

Babar Azam, the prolific Pakistani cricketer, continues to dazzle fans with his exemplary leadership and batting prowess. In the recent clash between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Babar Azam’s masterful innings of 64 runs off 40 balls played a pivotal role in setting a formidable target for the opposition.

In the highly anticipated encounter between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi, the Pindi Cricket Stadium was abuzz with excitement. Fans gathered in anticipation of a thrilling match, and they were not disappointed.

Despite Iftikhar’s valiant efforts, Multan Sultans fell agonizingly short of the target, handing Peshawar Zalmi a narrow victory. The match showcased the fierce competition and the indomitable spirit of both teams, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the last ball was bowled.

In conclusion, the clash between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi at the Pindi Cricket Stadium was a testament to the thrill and excitement that cricket brings. With stellar performances from Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, and others, the match will be remembered as a true spectacle of sporting excellence.

SCOREBOARD

PESHAWAR ZALMI:

Extras: LB-2, NB-1, W-9

Total (for five wickets, 20 overs): 204

Did Not Bat: Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mehran Mumtaz, Salman Irshad

Fall of Wickets:

Saim Ayub (84 runs)

Tom Kohler-Cadmore (97 runs)

Babar Azam (148 runs)

Haseebullah Khan (166 runs)

Asif Ali (186 runs)

Bowling:

Ali: 3-0-46-0 (2w)

Willey: 4-0-36-0 (3w)

Iftikhar: 1-0-12-0 (1w)

Khushdil: 1-0-13-0

Jordan: 4-0-33-2 (2w)

Usama: 4-0-32-3 (1w)

Aftab: 3-0-30-0 (1w, 1nb)

MULTAN SULTANS:

Total (for five wickets, 20 overs): 201

Did Not Bat: David Willey, Usama Mir, Aftab Ibrahim, Mohammad Ali

Fall of Wickets:

Reeza Hendricks (35 runs)

Mohammad Rizwan (51 runs)

Dawid Malan (86 runs)

Tayyab Tahir (91 runs)

Khushdil Shah (125 runs)

Bowling:

Saim: 1-0-14-0 (1w)

Wood: 4-0-44-0

Mehran: 4-0-20-1

Naveen: 4-0-32-1 (2w)

Aamer: 4-0-36-2 (2w)

Salman: 3-0-46-0 (3w)

Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by four runs.

Player of the Match: Babar Azam

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