Kashmir Digits

Multan Sultans clinched their maiden PSL title, beating Peshawar Zalmi in the final at Abu Dhabi.

Multan led by Pakistani wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan triumphed against 4- time finalists Zalmi by 47 runs. After being put to bat first by Zalmi, Multan posted a huge total of 206 runs in their 20 overs. In form Sohaib Maqsood led the assault with 65 off 35 balls, hitting 3 sixes and 6 fours in the process. Rilee Rossouw also wrecked havoc with a half century off just 21 balls.

This meant Peshawar had to chase the highest total in a PSL final and they succumbed to the pressure. They were stifled by the two Imrans. First Imran Khan delivered the key wicket of Kamran Akmal. Later Imran Tahir wrapped the tail end with ease, with a crucial dismissal of Sherfane Rutherford.

How it went down

Multan started the inning in brisk pace with Shan Masood scoring 37 off 29 balls before falling. And when Rizwan got out for 30 runs, the side was left with 83/2 after 11 overs, Peshawar had the chance to restrict their opponents. In came Sohaib Maqsood and his blitzkerg performance turned the fate of this final. Rilee Rossouw also joined in and smashed Zalmi’s bowlers all over the park.

Wahab went for 52 runs in 4 overs, Amad Butt went for same. After Rilee’s wicket Khushdil Shah came in played a cameo of 15 runs in 5 balls as Multan posted a daunting total of 206/4 in 20 overs.

Peshawar opened with inform Hazratullah Zazi, whose knocks had led them to wins over Islamabad Karachi, and Kamran Akmal. But it was the latter who took the initiative scoring a quick fire 36 off 28 balls.

However, both were removed in space of 5 balls, first Zazai dismissed by Muzarabani for 6 runs and then Akmal had his stumps rattled by Imran Khan. Despite Shoaib Malik’s best efforts, Sultans kept Peshawar at bay. Wickets at regular intervals hampered the chase and when Malik was sent packing by Tanvir for a fighting 48 off 28 balls, the final was as good as gone for Zalmi.

Imran Tahir wrapped up the tail end with 3 wickets, Sherfane Rutherford included, the Yellow Storm had been halted, Multan were Sultans of the PSL at last.

The Multan Miracle

The land of Multan known for its miraculous soil (Multani mitti) now has a cricket team that has pulled off its own miracle in some ways. Sultans began the Abu Dhabi leg of PSL in 5th spot, having lost four of their first five games.

But in Andy Flower and Mohammad Rizwan they have the perfect combination of calm and zeal. They went on to win their next four games out of five, brushed aside Islamabad United in the playoffs and won the final, in one of the greatest comebacks in T-20 franchise history.

Win made in Pakistan

This title win was built on the back of two Pakistani players, much to the delight of the franchise and the fans of Pakistan cricket. One an impressive young pacer and other a batsman who had fallen out of favour with the national side years ago.

Sohaib Maqsood resurgence has been remarkable. The 34 year old’s performances this season have earned him a recall in the national team for tours of West Indies and England. Sohaib earned the man of the match and finished with two further awards as the best batter and Player of the Tournament. He scored 428 runs, including 5 fifties , at an average of 47.55 and a strike-rate of 156.77.

Shahnawaz Dhani who also earned a first national side call up went wicketless but finished as the leading wicket taker with 22 to his name and won the Emerging Player of the Tournament. He has led the Multan attack with aplomb, having experienced Sohail Tanvir and Imran Khan along the way.

More Final heartache for Peshawar Zalmi

For Peshawar Zalmi this was their third defeat in a fourth PSL final. Under new captain Wahab Riaz, the team ebbed and flowed before some impressive performances saw them reach the final. Their inability to win finals, will haunt them for now. They could have been considered as favourites for the final, given their experience, but they were comprehensively outplayed.

Hazratullah Zazai failed to deliver on the big occasion and the suspension of Umaid Asif hours before the final due to Covid bubble breach, surely hurt them. For now Zalmi will have work to do. Working on the mentality to win in these pressure situations will be top of the list.

Rise of Rizwan

And for Rizwan, the under radar career has finally taken full flight. For long living under shadows of others Rizwan has now emerged as a shining knight. His performances for Pakistan have translated here, with the wicket keeper leading Multan to the title in his first full season as captain. It bodes well for the franchise as well as the Pakistan national team.

In the most improbable of seasons, the season which looked in trouble of finishing. Multan Sultans emerged as the most improbable of winners. Stories throughout the squad, from the seemingly ageless Tahir to the young pacer Dhani, from the outcast Maqsood to Pakistan cricket’s new savior in Rizwan, Multans run to the title has been fascinating to perfection.

Final scorecard summary:

MULTAN SULTANS : 206/4

Shoaib Maqsood 65(35)

Rilee Rossouw 50(21)

Sameen Gul: 2/26

PESHAWAR ZALMI: 159/9

Kamran Akmal 36(28)

Shoaib Malik 48(28)

Imran Tahir: 3/33