Zalmi stay unbeaten after clinical defence against Sultans

Peshawar Zalmi stayed unbeaten in PSL 2026 with a 24-run win over Multan Sultans in Karachi, strengthening their position at the top of the table.

Chasing 197, Multan were held to 172 for 8 in 20 overs as Sufiyan Muqeem and Iftikhar Ahmed led the defence. The pair picked up five wickets between them, removing key batters in the middle phase to derail the chase.

Multan made a strong start with Steve Smith and Josh Philippe adding a quick 55-run stand for the second wicket after Iftikhar scalped Sahibzada Farhan early. But the game turned in the 10th over when Sufiyan struck twice to remove both set batters, reducing Multan from a solid position into trouble.

Shan Masood tried to keep the chase alive with a 35 off 19 balls, but regular wickets meant Multan could not build momentum. Nahid Rana and Aamir Jamal chipped in with wickets at the death to close out the game as Zalmi sealed a comfortable win.

Earlier, Kusal Mendis anchored Zalmi's innings with a 40-ball 68, becoming the first batter to cross 300 runs this season. Mohammad Haris set the tone with a brisk 38 off 17 balls at the top, while Farhan Yousaf chipped in with 30 off 22 as Zalmi posted 196 for 6. Muhammad Ismail and Peter Siddle finished with two wickets apiece.

Brief scores: Peshawar Zalmi 196/6 in 20 overs (Mendis 68; Ismail 2-22, Siddle 2-29) beat Multan Sultans 172/8 in 20 overs (Masood 35; Muqeem 3-30) by 24 runs