DUBAI: New entrants Multan Sultans sent shockwaves through the Pakistan Super League on Thursday night after their seven-wicket victory over reigning champions Peshawar Zalmi in the opening encounter at the Dubai International Stadium here. Chasing target of 152 set by Peshawar, Multan were wobbled at the start of their innings when they lost opener Ahmad Shahzad for a duck. Following that early setback, Kumar Sangakkara stabilized the innings, first with Sohaib Maqsood and then with captain Shoaib Malik to make sure there were no hurdles for the new comers as Multan cruised to the victory with five balls to spare. Sangakkara finished the innings with the top score of 57 off 51 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes, whereas Malik scored an unbeaten 42 off 30 balls with the help of two fours and two sixes. For Zalmi, pacer Wahab Riaz was the most successful bowler on the night as he claimed two wickets. For his outstanding batting performances, Sangakkara was named player of the match.
Earlier, after opting to bowl first, Multan produced an impressive show with the bowl to restrict Darren Sammy-led Peshawar to just 151 for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Mohammad Hafeez finished as the top scorer for Peshawar with 59 off 52 with the help of six fours and one six. For Multan, tall left-arm pacer Mohammad Irfan was the star of the show as he claimed two wickets and just gave away 19 runs.
Brief scores: Multan Sultans 152 for 3 (Kumar Sangakkara 57, Shoaib Malik 42 not out) beat Peshawar Zalmi 151 for 6 (Mohammad Hafeez 59, Darren Sammy 29, Mohammad Irfan 2-19) by seven wickets.
Published in Daily Times, February 24th 2018.