Mohammad Rizwan-led Multan Sultans have successfully made it to the finals of the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2024). They defeated Peshawar Zalmi in not a high-scoring thriller to earn their place as the first side to qualify for the PSL 2024 finals.
Earlier, they became the first team to reach the PSL 2024 playoffs with 14 points. The PSL 2022 winners topped the table with seven wins and were exceptional throughout the tournament.
Sultans’ consistency is unmatchable as they have entered their fourth consecutive PSL final, earlier making it in the consecutive years 2021, 2022, and 2023.
They earned this distinction after a dominant eight-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in a thrilling qualifier at the National Bank Cricket Arena on March 14th.
Zalmi, electing to bat first, could only manage a modest 146 runs on the board. Babar Azam (46) top-scored for them, while Mohammad Haris (22) chipped in with a quickfire cameo. Usama Mir (2/16) and Chris Jordan (2/28) were the pick of the Sultans’ bowlers, keeping the Zalmi batsmen in check. Mohammad Ali also chipped in with a crucial wicket.
Chasing a modest target, Sultans’ Yasir Khan (54) injected momentum with a fluent knock, putting his team in a comfortable position. Usman Khan (36*) and Iftikhar Ahmed (22*) ensured there were no hiccups as they chased down the target with 1.7 overs to spare.
The turning point of the match arguably came in the 19th over. With the equation down to a manageable 10 runs, Zalmi pacer Luke Wood needed tight bowling. However, Iftikhar Ahmed smashed a six off the very first ball, completely changing the complexion of the chase. Usman Khan finished things off with a single on the third ball, securing a convincing victory for the Sultans.
While the Sultans celebrate their final berth, Zalmi will have to fight their way back through the eliminator stage. They will face either Quetta Gladiators or Islamabad United for a second chance at reaching the final.
Also, see:
Sultans or Zalmi – Which team are fans supporting for PSL 2024 qualifier?
