Defending a 205-run target after a thrilling play, the Babar-led Peshawar Zalmi defeated the table-toppers Rizwan-led Multan Sultans by four runs, clinching their second victory over the latter in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ninth edition.
Zalmi managed to restrict Sultans to 200/5 while defending 205 in the 20th match of the season at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
Sultans started the chase aggressively with Mohammad Rizwan taking the charge from ball one. But, Zalmi managed to pull things on the back of some economic overs bowled by PSL debutant Mehran Mumtaz.
His first wicket was Reeza Hendricks, who struggled during his time at the crease, managing only 5 runs in 10 balls.
Meanwhile, Rizwan played a crucial role for the team, contributing 32 runs in 24 balls at a strike rate of 133.33 but he was run out by Aamer Jamal.
Sultans' chase slowed down in the middle while Dawid Malan and Tayyab Tahir were in the middle.
Malan made a modest contribution, scoring 19 runs off 19 balls before being caught by Asif Ali, who took a stunning catch. Tayyab Tahir made 26 runs in just 18 balls.
Iftikhar Ahmed put energy to the chase with some blistering hitting with the help of Chris Jordan.
He remained unbeaten, accumulating an impressive 60 runs off 27 balls, showcasing a phenomenal strike rate of 222.22. Jordan scored a quick 30 runs in 12 balls at a remarkable strike rate of 250.00 but they fell only four runs short.
Earlier, Babar's choice to bat first proved advantageous for the Zalmi, as they amassed 204/5 in the allocated 20 overs against the playoffs-bound Sultans.
Zalmi's opening duo, Babar and Saim, once again provided a solid start with an impressive partnership, accumulating 84 runs before Saim was dismissed in the seventh over by Usama Mir. Saim fell just short of his half-century, scoring 46 off 22 deliveries with three boundaries and five sixes.
Tom Kohler Cadmore briefly partnered with Babar, contributing to a cautious 13-run stand before falling victim to Mir in the 10th over, managing just five off nine deliveries.
Babar Azam stood firm, carrying his bat until the 15th over, scoring a brilliant half-century before being dismissed by Usama Mir. Babar emerged as the top-scorer for Zalmi, making a 40-ball 64 with seven boundaries and two sixes.
Babar also played a vital role in a 51-run partnership for the third wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan, who briskly made 31, featuring three boundaries and a six. After Haseebullah's dismissal in the 17th over, Rovman Powell took charge of Zalmi's batting, contributing an unbeaten 23-run cameo with notable support from Asif Ali (10) and Aamer Jamal, who scored 12 not out off just five deliveries.
Usama Mir led the bowling attack for Multan Sultans with figures of 3/32, followed by Chris Jordan, who secured two wickets.
It's worth noting that 2021 champions Multan Sultans secured their place in the PSL 9 playoffs with a victory over Karachi Kings on Sunday.
