Mendis brilliance and Muqeem magic keep Zalmi on top

Peshawar Zalmi continued their dominant run in PSL 2026, holding on to the top spot with a 24-run win over Multan Sultans in a gripping contest in Karachi.

The victory was built around another commanding innings from Kusal Mendis, whose 68 off 40 balls anchored Zalmi’s total of 196 for 6. After an explosive start from Mohammad Haris, who blasted 38 off just 17 deliveries, Mendis took charge in the middle overs. He shifted gears seamlessly, finding boundaries at will and ensuring Zalmi maintained momentum despite a slow start from Babar Azam.

Useful contributions from the middle order, including cameos from support batters, helped push the total to a competitive level on a batting-friendly surface.

In reply, Multan Sultans looked in the hunt for much of the chase. Players like Shan Masood and Ashton Turner kept the scoreboard ticking, with Masood’s aggressive strokeplay briefly putting pressure back on Zalmi.

However, the turning point came with the ball. Young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem delivered a crucial three-wicket spell, regularly breaking partnerships and preventing the Sultans from building sustained momentum. His efforts ensured Zalmi stayed in control during the middle phase.

The final blow came in the death overs, where Zalmi’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection. Tight lines, sharp pace, and disciplined bowling restricted Multan’s scoring, with the last five overs yielding very few runs. The pressure eventually told, and Sultans fell short, finishing on 172 for 8.

With this win, Peshawar Zalmi not only extended their unbeaten run but also reinforced their status as early title favourites, combining explosive batting with clinical bowling when it mattered most.

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