Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2026) as they take on Multan Sultans in match 22 on Monday. PZ are at the top of the standings, boasting a net run-rate of +3.103, having secured wins against RWP, HK, KK, and LQ, while their game against IU was washed out.
Meanwhile, it will be no easy task for MS as they will be chasing their 3rd straight win. Their only loss in PSL 2026 came in the rain-hit game against LQ where they lost by 20 runs. Given that the National Bank Stadium in Karachi is a delight for batters, expect fireworks from the likes of Sahibazada Farhan, Kusal Mendis, and Babar Azam.
PZ vs MS Match Details
- Match: Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans, Match 22, PSL 2026
- Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM IST / 7:00 PM LOCAL
- Venue: National Bank Stadium, Karachi
PZ vs MS Head-to-Head Record
Multan Sultans historically hold the upper hand in this rivalry, having won 11 out of their 18 encounters.
- Matches Played: 18
- Peshawar Zalmi Won: 7
- Multan Sultans Won: 11
Team Previews
Peshawar Zalmi (Current Rank: 1st)
Led by Babar Azam, Zalmi is the only undefeated team this season (excluding a washed-out game). They enter this match in terrifying form after dismantling Karachi Kings by 159 runs—a game where Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis shared a record 191-run partnership. Their net run rate (+3.103) is the best in the league, reflecting their dominance.
- Key Players: Babar Azam, Kusal Mendis, Sufiyan Muqeem (leading wicket-taker).
Multan Sultans (Current Rank: 2nd)
The Sultans are right on Zalmi’s heels. Under the leadership of Ashton Turner, they have been clinical, particularly while chasing. Their top order, featuring Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith, has been consistently providing platforms for their finishers. Their one loss came in a shortened 13-over contest, suggesting they are nearly impossible to beat in a full game.
- Key Players: Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Arafat Minhas.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Karachi pitch has been a batter’s paradise in 2026, with average first-innings scores hovering around 173-180. However, Peshawar recently posted 246 here.
- Dew Factor: Significant dew is expected from the 12th over of the second innings, making it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball.
- Weather: Clear skies with a temperature around 32°C. No rain is forecast.
Probable Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Aamer Jamal, Sufiyan Muqeem, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Khurram Shahzad.
Multan Sultans: Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Josh Philippe (wk), Shan Masood, Ashton Turner (c), Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Nawaz, Peter Siddle, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ismail, Faisal Akram.
PZ vs MS Match Prediction: Who will win?
This is a battle between the league’s most explosive batting unit (Zalmi) and its most balanced side (Sultans).
The Toss Factor: The toss will be crucial. Both teams prefer chasing due to the Karachi dew. However, Peshawar Zalmi’s current momentum and the “Babar-Mendis” factor give them a slight psychological edge.
Prediction: Peshawar Zalmi are slight favorites to win Match 22 and solidify their position at the top of the table.
- Top Batter: Babar Azam (PZ)
- Top Bowler: Sufiyan Muqeem (PZ)
- Predicted Score: 185–210
