Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans – Match 9

The ninth game of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 was an exciting game for cricket lovers, in which two powerful teams — Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans — clashed with each other. Not only was this match going to make a difference in the points table, but also to decide on which team would gain momentum early and tighten its grip in the semi-finals race.

The 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League – a historic milestone

The 10th edition of PSL is going on in a grand manner, and the competition between the teams has become very tough and exciting this year. Every match is bringing new excitement, new stories and new heroes. This match number 9 has also been included in those memorable moments.

Teams’ past record and current form

Peshawar Zalmi

Peshawar Zalmi has always been known for its young talent and aggressive style. After a successful year under the leadership of Wahab Riaz, the team is now moving towards new heights under the captaincy of Babar Azam. Zalmi has a combination of aggressive batsmen, confident spinners and expert bowlers in the death overs. In PSL 2025, Peshawar Zalmi has won some close matches so far while also facing defeat in some, but the overall impression of the team is positive.

Multan Sultans

Multan Sultans have been producing back-to-back finals for the last two seasons, and their consistency has turned them into a robust team. They are led by Mohammad Rizwan, have a well-balanced batting lineup, and their bowling attack is an ideal mix of youthful energy and veteran experience.

Match Venue and Atmosphere

The match was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which is considered the heart of Pakistani cricket. On the day of the match, the stadium was completely packed, the excitement of the fans was palpable, and only one voice was echoing everywhere:
“Zalmi! Zalmi!” and “Sultans! Sultans!”

The weather was pleasant, with a slight chill and bright lights illuminating the field. The ground staff had prepared the pitch batting-friendly, on which a big score was expected.

Importance of the match

This match was important in the sense that both the teams were at the same position on the points table, and the winning team would not only get two valuable points but would also have a good impact on its run rate. Along with this, the face-to-face encounter of two star batsmen like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan also had a special attraction for the fans.

Fans expectations and emotions

The fans had high hopes for this match. Zalmi fans were waiting for Babar Azam’s classical batting, while Sultans supporters wanted to see Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership batting. Hashtags were trending on social media even before the match, such as:

• Zalmi Vs Sultans
• Baber vs Rizwan
• PSL 2025 Thrille

Peshawar Zalmi – Squad and Recent Form

Captain: Babar Azam

Head Coach: Darren Sammy

Squad:

Current form:

Peshawar Zalmi have shown a balanced performance so far in PSL 2025. The opening pair of Babar Azam and Saim Ayub have given the team a strong start, while Mohammad Haris and Tom Kohler-Cadmore bring stability to the middle order. In bowling, Alzarri Joseph and George Linde have taken important wickets, which has improved the team’s overall performance.

Multan Sultans – Squad and Recent Form

Captain: Muhammad Rizwan

Head Coach: Andy Flower

Squad:

Current Form:

Multan Sultans have made a strong start to PSL 2025. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the team has performed brilliantly in the opening matches. Usman Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed played important innings in the batting, while Chris Jordan and Usama Mir in the bowling gave the opposing teams trouble.

Toss and start of the match

Stadium Scene

The Gaddafi Stadium Lahore was ablaze with lights that day. Thousands of cricket fans were seen carrying their team’s T-shirts, banners and flags, looking full of enthusiasm. The weather was pleasant, the pitch looked suitable for batting with light grass. As soon as we entered the stadium, there were chants everywhere:

“Sultans! Sultans!”

“Zalmi! Zalmi!”

“Rizwan! Rizwan!”

“Babar! Babar!”

Millions of people were waiting to watch this match on TV screens, because it was not just a match but a clash of intelligence and skill between two great leaders — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

The moment of the toss

The match officially began with the toss, the first decisive moment of every T20 match. Both captains — Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) and Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) — came to the middle of the field. The referee tossed a coin, and

Toss won: Multan Sultans
Decision: To field first

Mohammad Rizwan said:

“We want to take advantage of the slight humidity on the pitch, and our bowling attack is very dynamic. We will want to restrict Peshawar early.”

Babar Azam also responded confidently:

“We are confident about our batting, will try to post a massive total and overwhelm the game with our bowling.”

Peshawar Zalmi’s innings

Fall of Wickets

3/1 (S. Ayub, 1.1 ov) – 5/2 (B. Azam, 2.1 ov) – 84/3 (M. Haris, 7.2 ov) – 137/4 (T. Kohler- Cadmore, 13.4 ov) 143/5 (H. Talat, 14.5 ov) – 216/6 (M. Owen, 18.6 ov) – 222/7 (A. Samad, 19.4 ov)

Bowling

Multan Sultans’ innings

Bowling

Peshawar Zalmi won by 120 runs in Match 9 of PSL 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 19.