Pre-Match Story!
Shaoib Malik-led Multan Sultans would face Defending Champions Peshawar Zalmi in their very first T20 of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2018 in Dubai on Thursday night with hope to begin their PSL journey with a bang.
Multan Sultans did not feature in previous PSL editions; therefore, it’s yet to be seen as how they perform in the event under the guidance of Pakistani legendary Cricketer Wasim Akram and former Australian Cricketer Tom Moody.
Foreign Cricketers including Kieron Pollard, Darren Bravo, Ross Whiteley, Thisara Perera, Nicholas Pooran, Hardus Vijoen are part of Multan Sultans along with the local heroes.
Multan Sultans Squad:
But their first encounter would be against Peshawar Zalmi – the Defending Champions and the second most successful team in PSL History after Quetta Gladiators. So far Peshawar Zalmi led by Darren Sammy have been extremely popular side; however, one of their prominent faces Shahid Afridi is no longer the part of this franchise as he will now represent Karachi Kings and will be seen in action tomorrow.
Despite the absence of Shahid Afridi, Peshawar Zalmi are strong enough the defend their title with the services of Daren Sammy, Evin Lewis, Tamim Iqbal, Shakil Al Hasan, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Jordan from the foreign lot.
Peshawar Zalmi Squad:
In previous PSL editions held in 2016 and 2017, Peshawar Zalmi played 21 T20s – the highest number of matches among all teams – and out of which they won 12 while lost 8, recording their winning percentage of 60%.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Tamim Iqbal possesses the highest PSL batting average of 45.12 in 11 T20s with a total score of 361 runs. Likewise, Zalmi’s Wahab Riaz has taken 30 wickets – the most by any bowler in PSL – with a bowling average of 14.93.
In the first edition of PSL, Peshawar Zalmi ended third while bagged the trophy last year after beating Quetta Gladiators by 58 runs in the Final of PSL 2017 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
