Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi PSL 2023, 21st match
Despite being regarded as one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Pakistan Super League, off-color Multan Sultans will square off against Multan Sultans at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Sunday.
Multan Sultans registered a much-needed win over defending champions Karachi Kings. Despite their hard-fought win over Kings, the side is still lying in the bottom half of the league table. Mohammad Rizwan-led will have to win their remaining four matches to have any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.
On the other hand, Peshawar Zalmi have suffered from inconsistency with bat and ball so far this season. The franchise has won three matches out of six matches played in the tournament. Captain Wahab Riaz will be looking to make changes to their playing XI for this all-important tie.
Teams Overview
Multan Sultans
After overcoming Karachi Kings in their previous fixture, Multan Sultans will go with the same playing XI for this game.
The big positive from the previous match was the likes of Rilee Rossouw and Khushdil Shah finding for with the bat for Multan Sultans.
For Multan Sultans, Rilee Rossouw produced a quick-fire 44 runs off 24 balls. Besides Rilee Rossouw, Khushdil Shah, Sohaib Maqsood, and captain Mohammad Rizwan put in notable scores to help Multan post a competitive score on the board.
In the batting department, the onus will be on the in-form players like Mohammad Rizwan, Sohaib Maqsood, and Rilee Rossouw to deliver big scores in this fixture.
The likes of Khushdil Shah, Shimron Hetymer, and Sohail Tanvir will be given the task of scoring quick runs at the back end of the innings.
In the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of Sohail Tanvir, Imran Khan, and Imran Tahir to make crucial breakthroughs in this fixture.
Peshawar Zalmi
Despite going down to Lahore Qalandars on Thursday, Peshawar think-tank might not opt to tinker much with their game plan.
The Wahab Riaz -led side will have to pick the winning momentum as soon as possible for getting back into the top four.
However, the top-order needs to put runs on board for Peshawar Zalmi. The lack of runs from Kamran Akmal and Haider Ali will be a concern for the side going into this fixture.
In the batting department, the side will be relying heavily on the likes of David Miller, Kamran Akmal, and Shoaib Malik to produce crucial scores in this contest.
Veteran batsman Shoaib Malik showed determination and produced splendid innings for Peshawar Zalmi against Lahore Qalandars. He will be looking to continue his merry ways with the bat in this fixture.
In the bowling department, the side will be looking towards Wahab Riaz to lead the pace attack for Peshawar Zalmi. Umaid Asif, Fabian Allen, and Mohammad Irfan are other prominent bowling options for Peshawar Zalmi for this game.
Match Conditions
The wicket prepared for the game at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will provide favorable assistance to the bowlers in the first half of the game. Given the dew factor, batting second has been quite easier so far this season.
Game Statistics
Given their head-to-head record in the Pakistan Super League, Multan Sultans have the upper hand with four victories out of seven matches played.
Earlier this year, Peshawar Zalmi managed to beat Multan Sultans in a high-scoring thriller.
Player in-form
Mohammad Rizwan will be looking to lead from the front with the bat for Multan Sultans in this important clash. Wicket-keeper batsman has been nothing short of sensational this season and will be keen to deliver big innings for Multan Sultans against Peshawar Zalmi.
Predictions
Based on recent performances, Multan Sultans will start as favorites to win their game against Peshawar Zalmi. With the likes of Rilee Rossouw, Khushdil Shah, and Sohail Maqsood delivering the goods with the bat followed by Imran Tahir’s bowling masterclass, Multan Sultans will feel that momentum is on their side for this game.
On the other hand, top-order will have come to the party if Peshawar Zalmi wants to beat Multan Sultans in this fixture.
Expect Multan Sultans to beat Peshawar Zalmi at Abu Dhabi.
