The stage was set for an exhilarating clash as Peshawar Zalmi faced Multan Sultans in the Qualifier match of the Pakistan Super League on March 14, 2024, at Karachi. Cricket enthusiasts around the nation eagerly awaited this showdown between two formidable teams, each vying for a spot in the final.
Match Overview
The Qualifier match held high stakes for both Zalmi and Sultans, as the winner would secure a direct entry to the PSL final, while the losing team would get another chance in the Eliminator. The excitement was palpable as the players took to the field, ready to showcase their skills and determination.
Toss and Teams
- Toss: Multan Sultans won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a challenging target for Zalmi.
- Multan Sultans XI: Shan Masood (c), Johnson Charles, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shoaib Malik, Andre Russell, Asif Afridi, Imran Tahir, Bilawal Bhatti, Carlos Brathwaite, Sohail Tanvir, and Shahnawaz Dahani.
- Peshawar Zalmi XI: Haider Ali, Kamran Akmal (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Shoaib Malik (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Mohsin, Waqar Salamkheil, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, Hasan Ali, and Saqib Mahmood.
Multan Sultans’ Innings
– Johnson Charles and Shan Masood opened the innings for Sultans, looking to provide a solid foundation.
– Charles played some exquisite strokes, displaying his ability to find the gaps early on.
– Shan Masood, the Sultans’ captain, anchored the innings with a steady knock, rotating the strike effectively.
– The middle order saw contributions from Mohammad Rizwan and Shoaib Malik, adding valuable runs to the total.
– Andre Russell’s explosive hitting towards the end boosted Sultans’ score, taking them to a competitive total.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Chase
– In response to Sultans’ target, Zalmi’s opening pair of Haider Ali and Kamran Akmal started cautiously.
– Haider Ali showcased his class with elegant shots, providing a glimpse of his potential.
– Kamran Akmal, known for his aggressive batting, took on the bowlers, scoring quick runs.
– Fakhar Zaman’s arrival at the crease added momentum to Zalmi’s chase, taking calculated risks.
– Shoaib Malik, the experienced campaigner, steadied the innings and guided the team with his calm presence.
– Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive hitting in the final overs kept Zalmi in the hunt, bringing the required rate down.
Nail-biting Finish
– With the match entering the final overs, the tension was palpable among the players and fans alike.
– Zalmi needed a few big hits to seal the victory, while Sultans were desperate for breakthroughs.
– In a dramatic finish, Zalmi’s lower order, led by Mohammad Mohsin and Hasan Ali, held their nerve and finished the chase with a ball to spare.
– The Karachi crowd erupted in celebration as Zalmi secured a thrilling victory, booking their spot in the PSL final.
Conclusion
The Qualifier match between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans delivered a spectacle of cricketing prowess and nerve-wracking moments. Both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, making it a match to remember in the history of the Pakistan Super League.
Zalmi’s victory showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while Sultans fought valiantly until the end. As Zalmi advances to the final, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this thrilling season of the PSL.
