Peshawar Zalmi Beat Multan Sultans by 24 Runs in PSL

Peshawar Zalmi maintained their unbeaten run in the Pakistan Super League on Monday by defeating Multan Sultans by 24 runs at the National Stadium in Karachi. The victory, their fifth in six matches with one no-result, solidified Zalmi's position at the top of the points table with 11 points.

Batting first after losing the toss, Zalmi posted 196 for an unspecified number of wickets in their 20 overs. Openers Mohammad Haris and captain Babar Azam provided a steady start, with Haris smashing 38 runs off 17 balls, including aggressive strokeplay. Azam contributed 15 runs off 20 balls before his dismissal. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a brisk 68 off 40 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, while Farhan Yousaf added 30 off 22 deliveries to push the total higher.

In response, Multan Sultans struggled to build momentum despite contributions from Steve Smith, Josh Philippe, and Shan Masood. An early dismissal of Sahibzada Farhan proved costly, and the team fell short at 172. Zalmi's bowlers struck decisively, with Sufiyan Muqeem earning player of the match honors for his three-wicket haul in four overs at an economy of 7.50.

Post-match, Azam addressed concerns over his...