PSL 2024 | Twitter reacts to Babar-Haseebullah powering Peshawar’s maiden triumph in nail-biter

02/24/2024

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Peshawar Zalmi savoured the sweet victory of triumph this season beating Multan Sultans by five runs. Chasing 180 runs, the Sultans faltered in capitalizing on their batting prowess and struggled to establish formidable partnerships, ultimately succumbing to their first defeat of the tournament.

‌Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a challenging Multan pitch. The early setback came as Shahnawaz Dahani dismissed Peshawar's in-form young opener, Saim Ayub, in the fourth over. Unbothered by the early stutter, Babar and Haseebullah Khan formed a resilient partnership of 46 runs to end the powerplay. Haseebullah, exhibiting a threatening strike rate of 205, fell short of a half-century when Usama Mir claimed his wicket in the 11th over. Subsequently, Paul Walter quickfire contributed 16 runs in the 12th over before getting dismissed in the 13th over. The flow of runs slowed down briefly as Multan's disciplined bowling, spearheaded by David Wiley, accounted for crucial wickets, including those of Walter and Rovaman Powell. Peshawar found themselves at 151/6 in 17 overs before a late surge by Luke Wood propelled the total to 179/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

In reply, Multan Sultans faced an early setback when captain Mohammad Rizwan departed in the third over. Despite this setback, Yasir Khan and Reeza Hendricks displayed grit, constructing a solid partnership that propelled the Sultans to 38/1 at the end of the powerplay. However, Salman Irshad pegged back with Yasir’s scalp before the efforts of Dawid Malan and Hendricks orchestrated a 45-run stand for the third wicket. Subsequently, Malan, in particular, showcased his prowess by scoring 52 off 25 deliveries, steering his team to 122/3 in 14.3 overs, only to depart in the same over. The momentum shifted in favour of Peshawar during the 16th over, as their bowling brigade, led by Arif Yaqoob's 3/43, managed to dismiss Khushdil Shah, Usama Mir, and David Willey, sending them back to the pavilion. With 22 runs required from the last over, all eyes were on Iftikhar Ahmad, hoping for a repeat of his heroics from the previous match. Unfortunately, luck did not favour Iftikhar this time as Zalmi emerged victorious by a narrow margin of five runs despite conceding 16 runs that included two wides.

Crowd gpes ZIMBaaaaaaaaaaberrrrrrr & Babar Azam reacts!

This is really unacceptable, Never expected this from Multan fans.. 🤦‍♂️
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket)

Thriller time!

The last over was an absolute thriller! 🤯 | |
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20)

True

Peshawar Zalmi won a match after eternity.
— Sumra 🇵🇰 (@Binte__Khalid)

Much needed win!

A much-needed win for Peshawar Zalmi.

Quetta Gladiators are now the only unbeaten team.

Lahore Qalandars are the only team without a win.
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket)

Superb

NAVEEN UL HAQ YOU BEAUTY! What a spell what a victory😭🔥

Peshawar Zalmi beats Multan Sultans in Multan! We are ready for this season now😈💛💪🏼
— Abdullah Orakzaiii (@AbdullahOrkzy23)

Do not!

Le Peshawar to Lahore:
— BannoKiSaheli || IU ♥️ (@BannoKiSaheli_)

Crazy

THRILLING LAST OVER 🔥🔥

Peshawar yet again the most unpredictable team, ending the sultans win streak in style 🔥 They are back in the game babyyy 🏆
— BannoKiSaheli || IU ♥️ (@BannoKiSaheli_)

1st one!

First victory for Babar Azam team 👌. Like this naughty snap of him ✌️😀
— Ahmer Najeeb Satti (@AhmerNajeeb)

The most!

i think we all agree on the fact that peshawar zalmi is pct of psl, always the most entertaining team of the tournament. what a match truly
— Ahmed. (@ahmxidd)

They are back!