PSL 2025, Match 9 Review: Peshawar Zalmi batters, Raza spell propel to commanding 120-run win over Multan Sultans

Peshawar Zalmi bounced back into the 2025 Pakistan Super League by registering a 120-run win over Multan Sultans, making it the largest victory by runs in the history of the league during the ninth match of the season at Rawalpindi.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Zalmi skipper Babar Azam’s decision initially seemed questionable as both he and Saim Ayub fell within the first three overs. However, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Mohammad Haris stabilised the innings, putting together 79 runs for the third wicket in just 34 balls. Kohler-Cadmore hit 52 off 30 balls, including two boundaries and five sixes, while Haris raced to 45 from 21 balls with a strike rate of 214.

Later, Hussain Talat (37 off 29), Mitchell Owen (34 off 15), and Abdul Samad (40 off just 14) kept the scoreboard ticking at a high rate. Samad's cameo included four boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 285.71. Eventually, Zalmi reached a total of 227/7 in their 20 overs.

Multan’s bowling unit had a day to forget, with Akif Javed conceding 52 runs in his three overs, including 24 in the 18th alone. Usama Mir too had a tough night, conceding 51 in his spell. Only Michael Bracewell managed to be on the economical end with 2 for 37.

Chasing a target of 228, Multan began nicely with captain Mohammad Rizwan's 15-run cameo. However, once he was dismissed in the fourth over by a smart legbreak from Ayub, the other batters couldn't make a significant impact. Shai Hope (20) and Usman Khan (44) tried to stitch a big stand, but couldn't stay for long. The 17-year-old, Ali Raza, then ran through the Sultan's middle order.

Raza dismissed Kamran Ghulam, Bracewell, Ashton Turner, and Iftikhar Ahmed. Mitchell Owen wrapped up the tail with two wickets, and Multan were bundled out for just 107 in 15.5 overs, their third straight loss of the season. Abdul Samad was named Player of the Match for his batting and three catches.