Young Ali Raza Shines as Zalmi Crush Sultans by 120 Runs

Peshawar Zalmi finally opened their account in PSL 2025 — and they did it in historic fashion. In a resounding statement, they dismantled Multan Sultans by 120 runs, registering the biggest victory by runs in PSL history.

After winning the toss, Babar Azam chose to bat first, but things didn’t start as planned. Both Babar and Saim Ayub fell cheaply, leaving Zalmi struggling at 5 for 2 in just 2.1 overs. But what followed was a stunning counter-attack that flipped the momentum.

Mohammad Haris (45 off 21) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (52 off 30) launched a fierce assault, adding 79 runs for the third wicket. Their onslaught laid the groundwork for a brutal lower-order charge.

Zalmi’s middle order rose to the occasion. Hussain Talat (37 off 29), Mitchell Owen (34 off 15), and Abdul Samad (40 off just 14 balls) ensured the momentum never dipped. Samad, in particular, was electric — striking at an eye-popping 285.71, he provided the final surge to push Zalmi to an imposing total.

Multan’s bowlers had a rough outing. Akif Javed was expensive, going for 52 in four overs, including 24 in one over, while Usama Mir was hammered for 51 runs. Only Michael Bracewell stood out, returning a respectable 2 for 37.

In reply, Multan started with intent. Mohammad Rizwan smashed a monstrous slog-sweep in the second over, but he fell in the fourth, undone by Saim Ayub's legbreak. That dismissal sparked a collapse.

Shai Hope and Usman Khan couldn’t capitalize, and by the 11th over, Multan were wobbling.

Then came the real highlight of the night — Ali Raza, just 17 years old, tore through the middle order with fiery pace and precision. Clocking in the high 140s, he dismissed Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Ashton Turner, and Iftikhar Ahmed, showcasing control, aggression, and raw talent.

His standout moment? A peach to Turner, jagging one back from a short length to rattle the stumps — a delivery that announced his arrival in style.

Already marked as a rising star after his T20 World Cup exploits, Ali Raza proved he’s the real deal. Ian Bishop wasn’t wrong when he called him "a superstar in the making."

Zalmi’s complete performance handed Multan their third consecutive defeat, while igniting fresh hope for Peshawar’s campaign.

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