In a thrilling encounter at the National Bank Cricket Arena on March 14th, Multan Sultans scripted history by becoming the first team to qualify for PSL 2024 final, defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the qualifier. They were also the first side to reach the PSL 2024 playoffs, ending the round-robin stage as the table-toppers.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Zalmi managed to compile a total of 146 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Babar Azam led the charge with 46 runs off 42 balls, supported by Tom Kohler Cadmore’s 24 off 24 and Mohammad Haris’s brisk 22 off 14. However, the Sultans’ bowlers put up a disciplined performance, with Usama Mir and Chris Jordan claiming two wickets each, and Mohammad Ali chipping in with one wicket.
In response, Sultans chased down the target with ease, thanks to Yasir Khan’s composed innings of 54 runs off 37 balls. Usman Khan contributed an unbeaten 36 off 28 balls, while Iftikhar Ahmed provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 22 not out off just 8 deliveries. Despite efforts from Zalmi bowlers Aamer Jamal, Mehran Mumtaz, and Salman Irshad, who each claimed a wicket, the Sultans clinched victory by eight wickets, reaching the target in 18.3 overs.
The pivotal moment of the match came in the 19th over when Iftikhar Ahmed smashed a crucial six off the first ball bowled by Luke Wood, altering the course of the game. Had he opted for singles, Wood could have potentially defended the target. Additionally, Usman’s single on the 18.3rd ball, driven to mid-off, sealed the victory for the Sultans.
With this win, Peshawar Zalmi will now face either Quetta Gladiators or Islamabad United in the eliminator 2, while Multan Sultans await their opponents in the PSL 2024 finals, marking a historic achievement in their franchise’s journey.
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