The stage is set for a gripping encounter as Multan Sultans gear up to face Peshawar Zalmi in the 9th match of PSL 2024 at the historic Multan Cricket Stadium. Let’s delve into the anticipation and expectations surrounding this high-stakes match.
Background:
- Current Form: Multan Sultans have been a force to reckon with, boasting an unbeaten record so far and securing three consecutive victories at their home ground in Multan.
- Struggles: On the flip side, Peshawar Zalmi finds themselves in a precarious position, having suffered defeats in their previous two outings, including a disappointing batting performance against Karachi.
Team Dynamics:
Multan Sultans:
- Batting Prowess: Led by skipper Mohammad Rizwan’s consistent performances, Multan Sultans possess a formidable batting lineup. While Rizwan anchors the top order, the likes of Dawid Malan, Reeza Hendricks, and Yasir Khan add depth to the middle order.
- Finishers: The lower middle order, comprising power hitters like David Willey, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Khushdil Shah, provides the team with the firepower needed to finish strongly.
Peshawar Zalmi:
- Babar Azam’s Brilliance: Despite Peshawar’s recent struggles, Babar Azam’s batting prowess has been a silver lining, with the skipper consistently delivering with the bat.
- Middle-order Concerns: However, Peshawar Zalmi’s middle-order woes have been a cause for concern, with inconsistencies plaguing the team’s batting performance.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Dawid Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Yasir Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, David Willey, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani.
Peshawar Zalmi: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rovman Powell, Asif Ali, Aamer Jamal, Luke Wood, Mohammad Zeeshan, Waqar Salamkheil, Salman Irshad.
Key Players:
- Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan, Dawid Malan, David Willey.
- Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam, Rovman Powell, Luke Wood.
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
- Pitch Report: The Multan Cricket Stadium offers a balanced wicket conducive to both batsmen and bowlers. Recent matches have seen bowlers finding assistance, making a total around 180-185 potentially match-winning.
- Weather Forecast: Expect mostly sunny weather with a high of 24 degrees Celsius on match day, ensuring ideal playing conditions.
Toss Prediction:
- Toss Preference: With a preference for chasing evident in previous matches, both teams might opt to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on any early advantage offered by the pitch.
Match Prediction:
In a clash between a confident Multan Sultans side and a struggling Peshawar Zalmi, the former holds the upper hand. With a blend of batting prowess and bowling depth, Multan Sultans are poised to continue their winning streak and emerge victorious in this encounter.
Prediction: Multan Sultans to win.
As anticipation builds and excitement mounts, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the exhilarating showdown between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2024.
Jigyasa 
Isha Pannu