When Covid-19 brought the 2021 edition of the Pakistan Super League to a screeching halt in February, the future of the tournament – this edition, at least – looked bleak. Not many would have envisioned resumption in near future, considering how situations were at that point. But against all odds, the organisers and franchise made it possible.
The final, between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi on 24 June in Abu Dhabi, will celebrate the efforts put in by everyone involved. Although there have been a few bio-bubble breaches ahead of the match, that had more to do with personal negligence than management incompetence.
Haider Ali and Umaid Asif have both featured in nine games this season. They will not be part of the final for violating the restrictions. Peshawar will rue the absence of Umaid and his knack for taking wickets in a crucial phase. He picked up two wickets in each Eliminator.
Hazratullah Zazai has peaked at the perfect time, and is coming off consecutive match-winning fifties. But the team definitely needs more from Zazai’s opening partner, Kamran Akmal. Jonathan Wells is likely to retain his place after his fifty in the last match.
On paper, Multan Sultans are the stronger unit. They bat deep, and are not reliant on specific individuals. The opening pair of Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan is followed by Sohail Maqsood, the third-highest run-getter this season. Johnson Charles and Khushdil Shah, both great strikers, follow next.
Multan also have a consistent wicket-taker in Shahnawaz Dhani, while Sohail Tanvir is still a bag of mystery for the opponents.
Head to Head
Both teams are tied with four match each.
Probable XIs
Multan Sultans: Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Sohaib Maqsood, Johnson Charles, Rilee Rossouw, Khushdil Shah, Sohail Tanvir, Blessing Muzarabani, Shahnawaz Dhani, Imran Khan, Imran Tahir
Peshawar Zalmi: Hazratullah Zazai, Kamran Akmal (wk), Jonathan Wells, Shoaib Malik, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Abrar Ahmed, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Irfan, Sameen Gul
Predictions
Multan Sultans to win the PSL 2021 title.