Peshawar Zalmi extended their unbeaten run in PSL 2026 with a 24-run victory over Multan Sultans in Karachi, a result that keeps them firmly in the leading mix. Multan, chasing 197, were restricted to 172 for 8 in their 20 overs as Zalmi’s bowlers tightened the screws at crucial moments.
Quick facts
- Peshawar Zalmi beat Multan Sultans by 24 runs in Karachi
- Multan finished on 172/8 in 20 overs while chasing 197
- Sufiyan Muqeem and Iftikhar Ahmed led the defensive effort
- Kusal Mendis made 68 off 40 balls for Zalmi
- Brief scores: Zalmi 196/6; Multan 172/8
In the chase, Sufiyan Muqeem and Iftikhar Ahmed combined to take five wickets between them, striking during the middle phase to break Multan’s rhythm. The pair’s breakthroughs removed batters when set partnerships looked most likely to grow, leaving the Sultans unable to reset the innings.
Multan did begin with momentum, building a quick 55-run second-wicket stand featuring Steve Smith and Josh Philippe. Iftikhar Ahmed provided the early jolt by getting Sahibzada Farhan out, but Smith and Philippe kept the tempo high before the game shifted decisively later on.
The turning point arrived in the 10th over, when Sufiyan struck twice to send back both set batters. That burst of wickets transformed a promising platform into a chase with far less margin, and Multan’s run rate never fully recovered.
Shan Masood tried to fight the situation, striking 35 off 19 deliveries, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. With the innings constantly being interrupted, Multan couldn’t find the momentum required to overhaul the target.
Nahid Rana and Aamir Jamal then added late pressure, taking wickets near the end to ensure the chase ended in defeat. Zalmi eventually sealed a comfortable result, staying unbeaten and strengthening their position at the top of the standings.
Zalmi’s chase-setting effort
Earlier, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings for Peshawar, scoring 68 off 40 balls. His knock was the highlight of Zalmi’s total and also marked the first time a batter had crossed 300 runs in the season.
Mohammad Haris set an attacking tone at the top with 38 off 17 balls, while Farhan Yousaf contributed 30 off 22 as the innings built to a competitive 196 for 6. Muhammad Ismail and Peter Siddle wrapped up the bowling on the back end, taking two wickets apiece as Multan were held short.
Brief scores: Peshawar Zalmi 196/6 in 20 overs (Mendis 68; Ismail 2-22, Siddle 2-29) beat Multan Sultans 172/8 in 20 overs (Masood 35; Muqeem 3-30) by 24 runs.
