PSL: Peshawar Zalmi clinch high-scoring thriller

Dubai - Zalmi earned their first points in the tournament with the six-wicket win over Multan Sultans

On an absolute belter of a wicket at the National Stadium in Karachi, the Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi produced a run feast before the latter held their nerve to register their first win of the Pakistan Super League this season.

Put into bat, the Sultans came up with a highly impressive display as they posted a challenging total of 193 for four in 20 overs, thanks to majestic knock of 84 (55 balls, 9 fours, 3 sixes) from James Vince.

But in the end, their effort was not enough was the Zalmi clinched the deal in a tense chase, with the wonderful ball-striking talent of the 20-year-old Haider Ali (24 not out,8 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) earning a six-wicket win.

Earlier, Sultans put the Zalmi bowlers to the sword, despite their opener Chris Lynn falling to a beautiful outswinger from Mohammed Irfan in the first ball of the second over.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan (41, 28 balls, 3 fours and 2 sixes) was joined by Vince in the middle and two batsmen put on an 82-run partnership for the second wicket in just 54 balls.

Rizwan played some delightful shots on the leg-side, using his strong wrists. Vince, at the other end, was magnificent and used his feet beautifully against the spinners.

After Zalmi left-arm pacer Mohammad Imran got the breakthrough, dismissing Rizwan, Vince found another solid partner in Sohaib Maqsood (36, 21 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes) as the two batsmen shared a 71-run partnership off just 40 balls.

Despite losing Maqsood in the 17th over, Vince, the English all-rounder, continued his brilliant form, helping the team post a formidable total.

In reply, Peshawar Zalmi openers Imam-ul-Haq (48, 39 balls, 5 fours) and Kamran Akmal (37, 24 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) gave the team a flying start with a 63-run first wicket partnership in just 39 balls.

But Usman Qadir, the 27-year-old leg-spinner and the son of the legendary Abdul Qadir, brought the Sultans back into the contest by getting Kamran lbw with a googly that kept low.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore (53, 32 balls, 6 fours and 1 six) then gave a masterclass in building a T20 innings and put the Peshawar Zalmi in a solid position.

But the Sultans hit back with two quick wickets (Imam and Cadmore) before the exuberance of Haider and the experience of Shoaib Malik (11 not out, 5 balls, 1 six) helped Zalmi earn their first points in the tournament.