Mendis, Muqeem Shine as Peshawar Zalmi Stay Top with Win Over Multan Sultans

Peshawar Zalmi continued their dominant run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), maintaining their position at the top of the table with a convincing 24-run victory over Multan Sultans in Match 22.

A standout performance from Kusal Mendis once again proved pivotal, as the in-form batter struck a fluent 68 off 40 balls to anchor Zalmi’s innings. His effort came after an explosive start from Mohammad Haris, who smashed 38 off just 17 deliveries, setting the tone early with aggressive strokeplay.

Despite an early setback with captain Babar Azam struggling for rhythm and falling for 18, Zalmi posted a formidable 196 for 6. Mendis found solid support from Farhan Yousaf during a crucial 63-run partnership, while late cameos from Michael Bracewell and Iftikhar Ahmed boosted the total.

In response, Multan Sultans mounted a competitive chase, with Josh Philippe and Steven Smith keeping the required rate in check during the early stages. However, regular breakthroughs—led by Sufiyan Muqeem, who claimed three wickets—prevented them from building sustained momentum.

The Sultans briefly surged ahead thanks to an aggressive cameo from Shan Masood, who hammered 35 off 19 balls, including a 21-run over against Aamer Jamal. Captain Ashton Turner also contributed with a brisk knock, keeping the contest alive deep into the innings.

However, the turning point came when Iftikhar Ahmed dismissed Masood at a crucial juncture, halting the Sultans’ momentum. From there, Zalmi’s bowling attack tightened its grip, with Nahid Rana delivering a sensational spell in the death overs. Bowling at speeds exceeding 147 kph, Rana conceded just eight runs across the 17th and 19th overs while picking up key wickets.

The final five overs yielded only 26 runs, as Zalmi closed out the game comfortably, extending their unbeaten streak and reinforcing their status as the team to beat this season.

With Mendis continuing his golden run and the bowling unit firing collectively, Peshawar Zalmi look firmly on course for a strong finish in the league stage.