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Multan Sultans started their clash against Peshawar Zalmi by winning the toss and electing to bowl first at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on April 13, 2026. The decision gives the visiting team an early strategic advantage in one of the Pakistan Super League’s most competitive rivalries.
Multan Sultans Win Toss
Led by Ashton Turner, the Sultans opted to field first, intending to exploit early pitch conditions and put pressure on Peshawar Zalmi’s top-order. The move reflects their consistent strategy in prior PSL seasons, where bowling first often allowed them to control the game’s pace.
Playing XI: Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi
- Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Abdul Samad, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
- Multan Sultans: Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner (c), Shan Masood, Josh Philippe (wk), Muhammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Peter Siddle, Muhammad Waseem Jnr, Muhammad Ismail, Faisal Akram.
Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi Head-to-Head
The rivalry is competitive, with the visitors holding 11 wins in 18 meetings. Zalmi have seven victories. Last season, Zalmi defeated the visitors by seven wickets, but earlier in the tournament, the visitors recorded a 120-run victory. This shows the unpredictability of the matchup.
Current Form Guide
Peshawar Zalmi enter the match unbeaten in their last five fixtures, securing four wins and one no-result due to rain. This performance places them atop the points table with nine points. The Sultans, meanwhile, have four wins in five matches, with a single rain-affected loss to Lahore Qalandars. Both teams are in strong form, setting the stage for a competitive clash.
Match Preview and Key Players
The Sultans will rely on their bowlers—Peter Siddle, Faisal Akram, and Muhammad Nawaz—to exploit early conditions. Batsmen like Steve Smith, Ashton Turner, and Shan Masood will aim to anchor innings when chasing. Zalmi’s top-order, led by Babar Azam, Kusal Mendis, and Michael Bracewell, is expected to respond with aggressive batting to set a competitive total.
Analysis and Predictions
Analysts predict a closely contested match with strategic bowling and batting crucial to determining the winner. Multan Sultans’ choice to field first could give them an early edge, especially with favorable pitch conditions. Fans can follow live updates via PSL official website and ESPNcricinfo. Check the latest PSL 11 standings to see how the Sultans and Zalmi are performing this season
