| Peshawar Zalmi beat Multan Sultans by 7 wickets Man of the match: K. Pollard (PZ) |
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2nd Innings:
Peshawar ranks the worst amongst all franchises in PSL 2019 when it comes to securing a decent opening partnership. However, this time around, it was a slightly different case as Kamran Akmal was demoted and Andre Fletcher opened the innings alongside Imam-ul-Haq instead.
Playing safe, Imam and Fletcher managed 34 runs when the West Indian fell for 24 runs. Kamran Akmal, coming one-down, again fell for 0 runs which put more pressure on Zalmi.
Imam carried from the other end but his unimpressive strike-rate made it difficult for Zalmi to bring the run-rate down. He eventually fell for 39 runs from 34 deliveries.
Umar Amin and Pollard showed great resistance from the middle-order and grinded runs when Multan bowlers were on point.
Pollard turned the game on its head in the 18th over, hitting 3 sixes to Daniel Christian which helped the Zalmi chase the game easily.
Both Amin and Pollard scored half-centuries to secure the win for Peshawar.
1st Innings:
Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and elected to field first. However, the decision did not pay off as Multan got off to a flying start with Umar Siddiq and James Vince quickly scoring a 50 run partnership.
Umar, however, fell at 18 runs and Vince was run-out at 41. But a half-century from James Charles and quick 28 from the skipper Malik ensured that Multan would put up a good total on the board.
Multan eventually ended up scoring 172 runs from 50 overs.
It was a tough outing for Peshawar bowlers as the leading wicket-takers Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz were both dispatched all around the park.
It is another doubleheader today at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Multan Sultans will be facing Peshawar Zalmi in the first fixture, whereas the second match is scheduled between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, a much-hyped rivalry in Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Multan Sultans would want to secure two more points to increase their chances of qualification for the playoffs.
Match Details
| Date | Thursday, February 28, 2019 |
| Time | 04:30 PM PST |
| Umpires | Ranmore Martinesz (SL) Asif Yaqoob (PAK) |
| Match Referee | Mohammad Anees (PAK) |
| TV Umpire | Shozab Razaz (PAK) |
| Stadium | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
Head-to-Head
The two teams have come head-to-head three times with Multan Sultans winning two matches.
Possible XI
Peshawar Zalmi:
Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal (WK), Andre Fletcher, Nabi Gul, Kieron Pollard, Liam Dawson, Darren Sammy (C), Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Sameen Gul, Umaid Asif
Multan Sultans:
Umar Siddiq (WK), James Vince, Johnson Charles, Lauri Evans, Shoaib Malik (C), Daniel Christian, Shahid Afridi, Nauman Ali, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan
Players to Lookout For
Peshawar Zalmi:
Kamran Akmal is yet to fire this season and this might be his day. If that happens, he can win it for his team, thanks to his blistering batting skills.
Multan Sultans:
Shoaib Malik has been brilliant with the bat this season and he would hope to continue his batting form. His ability to pace the innings is amazing and he remains the top batsman for Multan Sultans.
For more information, check out our PSL coverage.
