Raza’s Four Wickets Lead Zalmi to Victory in PSL 10

RAWALPINDI: Former England cricketer and commentator Dominic Cork lauded emerging pacer Ali Raza’s impressive physical strength and steadiness.

During the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 game between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans, Cork noted Raza’s capability and stressed the significance of correct fitness management.

“Ali Raza possesses great talent – take care of him. Concentrate on core strength and balance. It’s not only about lifting heavy but handling it in a smart manner. Develop him. We’ve seen pacers like Ihsanullah excel and then face difficulties after injury. Avoid repeating that,” Cork stated.

On Saturday, Peshawar Zalmi achieved their first triumph in the ongoing competition with a significant 120-run win against the Multan Sultans, led by Mohammad Rizwan, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The victory was fueled by a rapid half-century from Tom Kohler-Cadmore and a remarkable four-wicket performance by Ali Raza.

The Sultans’ batting order collapsed, scoring only 107 in 15.5 overs while pursuing a challenging 228-run target, despite a resilient 44-run effort from Usman Khan.

The Sultans had an unsteady beginning, losing their captain, Mohammad Rizwan (15), on the first ball of the fourth over with just 27 runs marked.

Following the initial setback, Usman Khan was joined by Shai Hope, and together they formed a 36-run partnership for the second wicket, briefly sustaining the Sultans’ chances.

However, their resistance came to an end in the seventh over when Arif Yaqoob dismissed Shai Hope (20), resulting in a sudden breakdown.

Hope’s departure led to a crucial downfall, as the Sultans lost their remaining eight wickets — including their key batter Usman — for an additional 44 runs, leading to them being bowled out for 107.

Usman Khan emerged as the top scorer for the Sultans, scoring 44 off 22 balls, which included four boundaries and three sixes.

Ali Raza stood out as Zalmi’s best bowler, securing four wickets for 21 runs in his four overs. Arif Yaqoob claimed three wickets, and Mitchell Owen contributed with two.

Previously, Zalmi’s choice to bat first appeared to have misfired when they were reduced to 5/2 in 2.1 overs, with both openers — Saim Ayub and Babar Azam — being dismissed cheaply.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore scored the most for Zalmi with 52 runs off 30 balls, including two fours and five sixes.

At 143/5 in 14.5 overs, Zalmi seemed to be losing pace, but a remarkable sixth-wicket partnership between Abdul Samad and Mitchell Owen pushed their total beyond 200 runs.

Before David Willey dismissed Owen in the second-to-last over, the duo added 73 runs. Owen hit 34 off 15 deliveries, including one four and four sixes.

Samad was dismissed shortly after, falling on the third delivery of the final over. He hit a rapid 40 off 14 balls, featuring four fours and three sixes.