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.

"I just chanced my arm and luckily it came off and we got the win. I just try to give my all to the team and if I can influence a game in the field, then that's great,” said Cadmore who was named man-of-the-match.

Brief scores

Peshawar Zalmi beat Multan Sultan by six wickets.

Multan Sultan 193 for four in 20 overs (James Vince 84, Mohammad Rizwan 41, Sohaib Maqsood 36, Rilee Rossouw 14 not out; Saqib Mahmood 2/36, Mohammad Imran 1/24, Mohammad Irfan 1/41)

Peshawar Zalmi 197 for four in 19 overs (Tom Kohler-Cadmore 53, Imam-ul-Haq 48, Kamran Akmal 37, Haider Ali 24 not out, Shoaib Malik 11 not out; Shahnawaz Dhani 2/44, Usman Qadir 1/29).

Wednesday’s match

Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United

6pm UAE Time