Multan Sultans will be looking to lift their maiden PSL title when they take on Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 6 final at Abu Dhabi.
Mohammad Rizwan led Multan had won once from five games when the tournament was suspended in Karachi on March 4. But since the tournament moved to Abu Dhabi they recorded five victories in six games to reach the final. They defeated 2-time champions Islamabad United in the first Qualifier to reach their first final.
Wahab Riaz has led Peshawar to the PSL final in his first full season in charge of the team. The season has been a mixed bag. After an impressive start to the season, they lost their way, suffering defeat in 3 of their 5 Dubai leg games. They managed to reach the play offs in the third spot, defeating defending champions Karachi in the first eliminator. They then went on to beat Islamabad to reach their PSL 4th final.
MULTAN SULTANS
Led by the impressive Pakistan national team wicketkeeper, Multan is a side full of confidence ahead of their first final. After years of struggle, it seems the ‘Janoob ki Pechan’ is finally finding its mark. Despite a poor start they have made a strong comeback and have shown no signs of slowing down. Shoaib Maqsood, Mohammad Rizwan and Khushdil Shah have all performed with the bat in the impressive recent run of form.
While the bowling has received a boost led by the emergence of young pacer Shahnawaz Dhani. Dhani alongwith Imran Tahir and the experienced Sohail Tanvir will be a handful for the Peshawar Zalmi batting line up.
For Rizwan the turnaround has been remarkable on a personal level as well. Finding himself in and out of the national team for years, the 29-year old has now become indispensable part of the Pakistan team. The redemption for Rizwan reaches full circle in the PSL 6 final, where he will be looking to make history.
PESHAWAR ZALMI
This Peshawar side has shown a tenacity mirroring the character of their skipper Wahab Riaz. Despite struggling for consistency, they have made through to the final beating perhaps teams more settled than them; Karachi Kings and Islamabad United. This is their 4th final, an impressive feat considering the tournament is in its 6th edition.
In batting Kamran Akmal has shown glimpses of his past match winning abilities, while Shoaib Malik shows no signs of ageing with some match turning knocks. While recent performances of Sherfane Rutherford and Afghan batsman Hazratullah Zazai have blown away opponents leading them to the final.
Bowling wise Wahab is supported by Umaid Asif, who will miss the final after a Covid-19 breach. Still the bowling is backed by experienced pacer Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Imran.
With history on their side and two excellent wins in play offs, the ‘Yellow Storm‘ may be brewing at the perfect time.
TEAM NEWS:
Multan are likely to keep faith in the playing XI from the first qualifier. Their only injury concern was Mohammad Irfan, who is now better and fit to play.
Multan playing XI: Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Sohaib Maqsood, Rilee Roussouw, Johnson Charles, Khushdil Shah, Sohail Tanvir, Imran Tahir, Blessing Muzarabani, Imran Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani.
Peshawar have suffered a blow as Umaid Asif and Haider Ali have been suspended by PCB, following Covid-19 bio bubble breach. Who comes in for Umaid remains to be seen.
Peshawar playing XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Kamran Akmal (wk), Jonathan Wells, Shoaib Malik, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Amad Butt, Wahab Riaz (capt), Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Imran.
Form guide:
Multan Sultans: W L W W W.
Peshawar Zalmi: W W L W L.
Players to watch:
Multan Sultans: Shoaib Maqsood has impressed in his recent outings which has seen him earn a place for Pakistan’s tour of West Indies and England. While another key player has been Imran Khan, whose bowling in death overs will be the key for Sultans.
Peshawar Zalmi: Jonathan Wells came out of quarantine of June 20 and has already made a match winning contribution. Hazratullah Zazai has led the charge in the play offs and his performance can be crucial to the outcome of the final.
Timing:
Pakistan Super League final will begin at 9:30 PM IST today (June 24).
How to watch:
Pakistan Super League final will have a live telecast on Sony Ten 1. Viewers can also stream the match live on Jio Tv app and Sony Liv.