The stakes are high as the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League 2024 kick off with a thrilling encounter between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi. Both teams are vying for a direct entry into the final, setting the stage for an intense battle at the National Stadium Karachi.
Team Previews:
Multan Sultans Preview:
Multan Sultans, led by the dynamic Mohammad Rizwan, enter the qualifier match brimming with confidence after a dominant performance in their last league game against Quetta Gladiators. Despite finishing at the top of the points table, Multan Sultans face a tough challenge against Peshawar Zalmi, having suffered defeats in both their encounters earlier in the season. With a strong batting lineup featuring the likes of Rizwan, Yasir Khan, and Johnson Charles, Multan Sultans aim to turn the tables and secure a spot in the final.
Peshawar Zalmi Preview:
Peshawar Zalmi, captained by the prolific Babar Azam, come into the qualifier match with momentum on their side, having secured victories in their last league game against Karachi Kings. Bolstered by a formidable top order including Azam and Saim Ayub, Peshawar Zalmi is confident of replicating their success against Multan Sultans. With a balanced bowling attack led by Naveen-ul-Haq and Aamer Jamal, Peshawar Zalmi aims to maintain their winning streak and book a place in the final.
Key Players:
- Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan’s exemplary form with the bat, supported by impactful performances from Johnson Charles and David Willey, will be crucial for Multan Sultans. Additionally, the bowling prowess of Usama Mir and Abbas Afridi will play a vital role in containing the opposition.
- Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam’s consistency with the bat, complemented by the all-round contributions of Rovman Powell and the bowling expertise of Naveen-ul-Haq, will be pivotal for Peshawar Zalmi in securing a win against Multan Sultans.
Probable Playing XI
Peshawar Zalmi Predicted Playing XI:
Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Haseebullah Khan, Rovman Powell, Aamer Jamal, Luke Wood, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mehran Mumtaz, Aimal Khan
Multan Sultans Predicted Playing XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Johnson Charles, Iftikhar Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Tayyab Tahir, David Willey, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali
Peshawar Zalmi T20 Stats and History
- Total Match Played = 100
- Won = 53
- Loss = 44
- No Result = 3
- Tie = 0
Multan Sultans T20 Stats and History
- Total Match Played = 74
- Won = 42
- Loss = 29
- No Result = 3
- Tie = 0
Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans head-to-head stats
- Total Match Played = 14
- Peshawar Zalmi won = 4
- Multan Sultans won = 10
- No Result = 0
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
The National Stadium Karachi offers a batting-friendly surface with a quick outfield, favoring high-scoring encounters. With clear skies expected on match day, bowlers will need to rely on variations to succeed on this flat wicket. The team batting first will target a score of around 180 to set a competitive total.
Toss Prediction:
Given the venue’s history of favoring chasing teams, the side winning the toss is likely to opt to bowl first. With challenging conditions for bowlers in the second innings, both teams will look to capitalize on chasing targets.
Winning Prediction:
While Multan Sultans hold the top spot in the points table, Peshawar Zalmi’s victories over them in the league stage give them a slight edge in this crucial encounter. With a strong batting lineup and a balanced bowling attack, Peshawar Zalmi is favored to emerge victorious and secure a direct entry into the final.
Prediction: Peshawar Zalmi Will Win
As Multan Sultans clash with Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2024 qualifier, cricket fans can anticipate a fiercely contested battle between two powerhouse teams. With a spot in the final at stake, both teams will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory at the National Stadium Karachi.