PSL 2024 | Yasir Khan heroics outshine Peshawar as Multan secures fourth straight final

SportsCafe Desk

BySportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Multan Sultans beat Peshawar Zalmi by seven wickets, securing their spot in the finals. Chasing a modest 147-run, the Sultans initially faced a shaky beginning. But an impressive 50 by Yasir Khan, coupled with a strong stand between Usman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, ultimately clinched the victory.

‌The National Stadium in Karachi was all set to host the first qualifier of the Pakistan Super League, as Peshawar Zalmi, led by skipper Babar Azam, opted to bat first against Multan Sultans. Unfortunately, the opening pair of Saim Ayub and Babar couldn't replicate their previous successes, as Ayub fell early in the innings to David Willey in the very first over. However, Babar and Mohammad Haris steadied the ship with a commendable 47-run partnership, guiding Peshawar to 51/2 by the end of the powerplay with Haris departing for 22. Subsequently, the captain found an ally in Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and constructed a solid 44-run stand, with the scoreboard reading 97/3 after 13 overs. Babar was aiming for another half-century in the league when Multan's Chris Jordan delivered a precise yorker, sending the 29-year-old Pakistan skipper back to the pavilion. The woes continued as Kohler-Cadmore fell in the 16th over to Usama Mir, leaving Peshawar struggling at 111/5 after 16 overs. Despite the setbacks, a partnership of 21 runs between Rovman Powell and Paul Walter towards the end provided some relief, but it wasn't enough as Peshawar could only muster a modest total of 146/7, marking their lowest score this season.

The Sultans made an impressive start, as openers Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan smoothly sailed to 45/0 by the end of the powerplay. Nevertheless, Peshawar's Aamer Jamal broke through by dismissing Rizwan in the eighth over, providing the much-needed breakthrough. Despite the setback, Yasir continued his solid batting display, reaching his first fifty of the season in just 30 deliveries. However, his innings came to an end in the 11th over with the score at 85/2. With Johnson Charles and Usman Khan at the helm, the Sultans maintained a steady pace, reaching 104/2 in 14 overs. Peshawar intensified their bowling efforts following Yasir's departure, allowing only 19 runs in three overs, and eventually dismissing Charles in the 17th over, despite his promising form. However, Usman welcomed Iftikhar Ahmed's 8-ball 22 quickfire from the other end, thereby steering the Sultans to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Peshawar, making their fourth final appearance on a trot.

 

Sultanate

1st one!

In the finals!!

Superb consistency

Phenomenal

Excellent

Sultans march on

But they good cricket

Agreed

MS=CSK!

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