PSZ vs MS Highlights | Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi, PSL 2025 Match 9: Samad Sparks 120-Run Win for Zalmi

Abdul Samad Stars as Peshawar Zalmi Crush Multan Sultans by 120 Runs in PSL 2025 Showdown

Summary
Peshawar Zalmi produced a commanding performance to secure a thumping 120-run victory over Multan Sultans in Match 9 of PSL 2025. Abdul Samad's blistering 40 off just 14 balls powered Zalmi to a mammoth 227/7. Multan Sultans crumbled under scoreboard pressure, folding for a mere 107 in 15.5 overs. Arif Yaqoob and Ali Raza shared seven wickets between them to decimate Multan’s batting. The dominant win lifted Peshawar from the bottom of the points table in style.

Scorecard

Peshawar Zalmi – 227/7 (20 overs)

• Mohammad Haris 45 (21), Kohler-Cadmore 52 (30), Abdul Samad 40 (14)

• David Willey 2/36, Ubaid Shah 2/40

Multan Sultans – 107/10 (15.5 overs)

• Usman Khan 44 (22), Shai Hope 20 (20)

• Ali Raza 4/21, Arif Yaqoob 3/20

Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 120 runs
Player of the Match: Abdul Samad

Zalmi Flex Their Muscles: A Resounding Comeback in Rawalpindi

If ever a statement win was needed in PSL 2025, Peshawar Zalmi delivered it with authority. Coming into this fixture winless and languishing at the bottom of the table, Zalmi roared back with a 120-run win over Multan Sultans, registering the biggest victory of the tournament so far. From explosive power-hitting to ruthless bowling, everything clicked for Babar Azam’s men on a memorable evening in Rawalpindi.

A Fireworks Show from Zalmi’s Middle Order

After electing to bat first, Peshawar Zalmi had a shaky start, losing both openers Saim Ayub and skipper Babar Azam for just 5 runs on the board. But what followed was an absolute carnage. Tom Kohler-Cadmore brought his English flair with a sizzling 52 off 30 balls, including five towering sixes. Mohammad Haris added the aggression with a brisk 45 off 21, hammering the spinners with effortless ease.

Hussain Talat chipped in with a valuable 37, but it was Abdul Samad’s stunning 14-ball 40 that truly lit up the innings. He smashed four sixes and three fours in a ruthless display of clean striking. Alongside Mitchell Owen and Alzarri Joseph’s finishing flurry, Zalmi closed at an intimidating 227/7 a total well above par at the Rawalpindi pitch, where the average first-innings score had hovered around 204.

Multan’s Collapse: A Batting Failure of Alarming Proportions

With a mammoth target in front of them, Multan Sultans needed their top order to step up. However, the chase unraveled swiftly. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan departed early for 15, and though Shai Hope and Usman Khan tried to stabilize things, the required rate mounted rapidly.

Usman Khan’s aggressive 44 off 22 balls provided brief hope, but the rest of the lineup faltered under pressure. Michael Bracewell, Kamran Ghulam, and Ashton Turner all fell in quick succession, triggering a middle-order collapse. From 70/2, Multan slumped to 95/8 in no time.

It was a masterclass in bowling strategy by Zalmi. Arif Yaqoob was sensational, picking up 3/20, including the big wicket of Usman Khan. But the real destroyer was Ali Raza, who tore through the middle and lower order with his 4/21 his best figures in PSL to date.

Turning Point: Abdul Samad’s Late-Over Carnage

While Kohler-Cadmore and Haris set the tone, the real momentum swing came during Abdul Samad’s whirlwind cameo. His 40 off just 14 balls injected 60 runs into Zalmi’s total in the final five overs. That explosive knock transformed what looked like a defendable 190 into a match-winning 227. It left Multan’s bowlers rattled and their batters under immense scoreboard pressure.

Bowling Brilliance from the Bench Brigade

The most encouraging takeaway for Peshawar was the performance of their lesser-known names. Luke Wood, Ali Raza, and Arif Yaqoob all relatively under the radar were clinical. Alzarri Joseph maintained pressure with a tidy 3-over spell, while even part-timer Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket.

The decision to rest George Linde and hand opportunities to domestic bowlers proved a tactical masterstroke. It showcased Zalmi’s depth and flexibility an asset that will be crucial in a long tournament.

Multan’s Alarming Form and What’s Next

This defeat makes it three losses in three games for Multan Sultans, and the margin of defeat will damage their net run rate significantly. Their batting lacks balance, and over-dependence on Rizwan is hurting their campaigns. The middle order is underperforming, and the bowling looks ineffective in pressure moments.

Chris Jordan and Mohammad Hasnain’s absence is being felt deeply, especially with the ball. Their return could offer some respite, but unless the batting fires collectively, Multan might find themselves in a downward spiral this season.

A Fresh Start for Peshawar?

This win could be the springboard Peshawar Zalmi needed. With Abdul Samad finding form and the domestic pacers stepping up, the team looks more settled now. Babar Azam’s men will hope this all-round display becomes the benchmark for the rest of their campaign.