Zalmi, Sultans look to record first victory

RAWALPINDI: It’s high time for two struggling giants --Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi -- to taste a victory in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season X, as they are set to lock horns today (Saturday) here at the Pindi Stadium.

Yet, it’s not just each other that they’ll be battling -- the looming threat of a thunderstorm could throw another curveball into a contest already drenched in desperation. With both teams languishing at the bottom of the points table, and having lost their opening two fixtures, Saturday’s clash holds monumental significance. A loss here could not only derail early momentum -- it might crush any realistic hope of playoff qualification.

While Multan Sultans have at least shown glimpses of fight, their inability to close out games has raised serious questions. Their narrow defeat to Karachi Kings showed potential, but their performance against Islamabad United was marred by questionable decisions, including the choice to bowl first -- effectively gifting the initiative to their opponents.

Batting woes continue to plague Sultans, with the typically reliable Shai Hope looking out of sorts and Usman Khan yet to find his rhythm. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan has been a lone warrior with the bat, bearing the heavy burden of carrying a misfiring top order. Promising names like Tayyab Tahir and Yasir Khan remain underutilized, while all-rounders Iftikhar Ahmed and Michael Bracewell are still struggling to make an impact with ball or bat. For Zalmi, the situation is arguably direr. Their performances have lacked direction, intent, and execution. Neither their top-order nor their bowling arsenal has fired.

The pace trio -- Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Ali, and Ali Raza -- have failed to create any early breakthroughs or apply pressure with the new ball. Their spin attack, led by George Linde and Sufiyan Muqeem, has also failed to pose any threat, looking toothless on surfaces meant to offer turn.

With major underperformers like Tom Kohler-Cadmore under scrutiny, Zalmi are expected to reshuffle their pack. A possible inclusion of spinners Arif Yaqoob and Mehran Mumtaz, as well as a fast-bowling change involving Luke Wood, might inject the much-needed spark.

As both the sides desperately hunt for redemption, Saturday’s face-off could be season-defining. For Multan, it’s a chance to finally shift gear and assert their presence. For Peshawar, defeat could mark the beginning of an uphill climb from the PSL abyss.

Whether it’s under clear skies or amid thunderclouds, one thing is certain: Rawalpindi is set for a high-stakes, high-pressure showdown where pride, survival, and momentum are all on the line.