Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans, 22nd Match

The 22nd match of the Pakistan Super League 2026 features a high-octane clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans at the National Stadium. Peshawar Zalmi have been showing a mix of solid performances and inconsistent spells this season, securing three wins from their last five encounters. Their strength largely lies in a balanced bowling attack, combined with explosive batting from their middle order. Multan Sultans come into this match with a slightly better overall form, having won four of their last five matches, demonstrating clinical finishing and adaptability in diverse match situations. Head-to-head records indicate a fairly even contest, with Multan holding a slight edge, winning 6 out of 11 encounters against Zalmi. The key for Peshawar lies in their ability to capitalize on home conditions and exploit early pressure, especially through their pace bowlers who have been effective at the National Stadium. For Multan, their strong top order, led by dynamic stroke-makers, combined with a disciplined death bowling unit, could tilt the balance. Key players to watch on the Zalmi side include their consistent opener who sets the tempo and their strike bowler who excels with early breakthroughs. Multan’s lineup boasts explosive batsmen who can change the game in a single over and all-rounders who add depth. Strategically, both teams will focus on controlling the powerplay and death overs, with field placements playing a crucial role. Given the recent form and overall team balance, Multan Sultans hold a slight psychological and tactical advantage but Peshawar Zalmi’s home ground familiarity could level the playing field. Prediction leans slightly towards Multan but expect a competitive encounter.

If Peshawar Zalmi bat first, they are likely to post a competitive total in the range of 160-175 runs, benefiting from the ground’s historically balanced conditions and their middle order’s firepower. Batting first allows them to set a challenging platform, relying on their ability to accelerate in the last five overs. Conversely, if Multan Sultans bat first, a target between 170-185 runs seems feasible, given their aggressive top order and knack for capitalizing on powerplay overs. They typically play aggressively from the start, aiming to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition. Both teams will aim for 160+ as a par score in this fixture, considering pitch behavior and boundary sizes.

The National Stadium pitch is generally known for its balanced nature favoring both batsmen and bowlers. It offers a true bounce and consistent pace, which assists fast bowlers early on but becomes favorable for stroke play as the innings progresses. The average first-innings score at this venue is around 165 runs. Chasing teams have had marginally better success at this ground, winning about 54% of matches, indicating that the pitch remains good for batting throughout the game. Weather forecast for match day indicates clear skies with mild temperatures around 28°C and negligible chances of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play. Humidity levels will be moderate, which may slightly aid swing bowling early on. Best performer for Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium: Shaheen Afridi with multiple 3-wicket hauls. Best batsman for Peshawar here: Haider Ali with consistent 40+ runs innings. For Multan Sultans, Rilee Rossouw holds the best batting record with a high score of 78 and a strike rate above 135 at this venue. Their premier bowler Shahnawaz Dhani owns a record of best bowling figures of 4/25 here.

Matches Played	Won by Peshawar Zalmi	Won by Multan Sultans
11	5	6

Haider Ali (Peshawar Zalmi) has been instrumental this season with consistent 30+ runs at a strike rate exceeding 130, anchoring the middle order well.

Shaheen Afridi (Peshawar Zalmi) continues to be a strike bowler, taking early wickets and maintaining an economy under 7 in recent games.

Mohammad Rizwan (Peshawar Zalmi) provides stability at the top, recently contributing crucial runs alongside quick singles that rotate the strike effectively.

Rilee Rossouw (Multan Sultans) has been in sublime form, scoring multiple half-centuries with a high strike rate above 140, making him a key attacking batsman.

Shahnawaz Dhani (Multan Sultans) leads their bowling attack with accurate yorkers and consistent 3-wicket hauls, troubling batsmen across matches.

Tim David (Multan Sultans) brings explosive power-hitting late in innings, turning games around with fast scoring in the death overs.