In a nail-biting encounter at the Multan Cricket Stadium on February 23 night, Peshawar Zalmi edged out the formidable Multan Sultans by a mere five runs, marking the Sultans' first defeat of the tournament after an initial streak of three consecutive wins. The clash was not just a game but an epic showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, thanks to a match-winning performance by Luke Wood, who shone brilliantly with both bat and ball, earning him the Player of the Match title.
Multan's middle-order crumbles like a pack of cards
The Sultans, chasing a challenging target of 180 runs set by Zalmi, faced an early setback as their captain Mohammad Rizwan returned to the pavilion without scoring. However, Yasir Khan, stepping up as the opener for this match, formed a cautious 45-run partnership with Reeza Hendricks, setting the stage for a gripping chase. The partnership was broken by Salman Irshad, who sent Yasir back with a well-earned 43 runs off 37 balls. The drama intensified as Dawid Malan joined Hendricks, pushing the score further before falling for a swift 52 runs off just 25 balls.
The match's tension peaked in the 17th over, with the Sultans needing 50 runs from the remaining four overs. In a twist of fate, debutant Arif Yaqoob, in the last over of his spell, managed to dismiss Khushdil Shah, and despite Usama Mir's back-to-back sixes, he too was caught, adding to the drama. David Willey's attempt to clear the boundary resulted in a spectacular catch by sub-fielder Dan Mousley.
Luke Wood's terrific penultimate over
As the match neared its climax, Wood delivered a crucial penultimate over, leaving the Sultans needing 22 runs off the last over. Iftikhar Ahmed, looking to replicate his previous game's heroics, was dismissed on the penultimate delivery, setting up a thrilling finish. With six needed off the final ball, Shahnawaz Dahani's attempt ended in despair as Naveen secured Zalmi's victory by dismantling the stumps.
Arif emerged as the standout bowler for Zalmi, claiming three crucial wickets, while Wood, Naveen, and Salman each contributed two wickets to the win. Paul Walter also added a wicket to his team's tally.
Peshawar post a competitive score
Earlier in the game, Zalmi's decision to bat first paid off as they posted a competitive total of 179/8. Despite losing Saim Ayub early, Babar and Haseebullah Khan built a solid foundation with a 46-run partnership. Usama's bowling prowess was on full display as he dismissed both set batsmen. Contributions from Paul Walter, Rovman Powell, Mohammad Haris, and a late surge by Wood propelled Zalmi to their final total.
The Sultans' bowling attack saw Ali, Willey, and Usama each taking two wickets, while Shahnawaz and Abbas managed to claim one wicket apiece.
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