Rizwan To Drop Hope To Bring In Turner? Multan Sultans Probable XI Vs Peshawar Zalmi

Multan Sultans Probable XI Vs Peshawar Zalmi [Source: @MultanSultans/x.com]

The pressure is piling up on Mohammad Rizwan led Multan Sultans squad. After two straight defeats in PSL 2025: a four-wicket loss to Karachi Kings followed by a crushing 47-run defeat at the hands of Islamabad United, the Sultans are staring down the barrel ahead of their third game.

They are now set to take on a struggling but equally desperate Peshawar Zalmi side on Saturday, who themselves are coming off two humbling losses, including a 102-run battering by Islamabad. With both teams winless so far, Match 9 at Rawalpindi on April 19 could be a potential turning point.

And for Multan Sultans, getting their playing XI spot on is non-negotiable. They have shown sparks in patches but haven’t clicked as a unit yet. The batting looks top-heavy, the bowling’s been patchy and the finishing has lacked fire.

It’s time for Multan to rethink, reshuffle, and recharge. Here’s how their probable playing XI could shape up against Zalmi.

Rizwan To Open But Hope Might Lose His Spot

Mohammad Rizwan has been Multan's lone shining light so far with the bat. He scored a brilliant century in the first game and followed it up with a solid 38 in the next. His position at the top is untouchable.

However, Shai Hope, who was expected to bring stability and experience, has flopped hard registering scores of 8 and 1. With the team needing urgency and momentum, Hope’s sluggish starts haven’t helped.

A likely solution? Shift Usman Khan to open and give Multan some attacking intent in the powerplay. If that happens, Ashton Turner could come into the XI at No. 5 to fill the middle-order slot Usman vacates.

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Kamran, Bracewell, Turner And Iftikhar In The Middle

If the top reshuffle happens, Kamran Ghulam slides into the No. 3 role. Kamran’s compact technique and ability to rotate strike could provide the glue Multan needs in the middle overs.

Michael Bracewell has shown glimpses of his value as a utility batter and part-time offie. He remains a lock at No. 4. At No. 5, Ashton Turner would be the ideal finisher/anchor hybrid, someone who can accelerate but also rebuild if wickets fall in a heap. Iftikhar Ahmed at No. 6 gives them the late-overs muscle. When he fires, it usually rains sixes.

Bowling Picks Itself…Almost

David Willey is doing David Willey things, swinging the new ball, bowling tight overs and even chipping in at the death. He was economical last game, returning 1/21 in 3 overs.

Chris Jordan, the death-overs specialist, came to life in the last outing, picking 2 wickets, and he is an automatic pick based on his experience and ability to close games.

Usama Mir continues to be their frontline spinner and wicket-taker. His economy might fluctuate, but he brings variety and middle-overs control. Ubaid Shah showed heart and decent control. He should be given a longer rope.

Now the tricky part with Mohammad Hasnain. The speedster has raw pace, no doubt. But his rhythm has looked off. He went for 30 runs in just 2 overs in the last match and didn’t look threatening.

Multan might just go for Akif Javed instead, the left-armer who picked up 3 wickets in the first game and brings angle variation. On a flat Rawalpindi deck, variety could be gold.

Multan Sultans Probable XI vs Peshawar Zalmi

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Ashton Turner/Shai Hope, Iftikhar Ahmed, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Ubaid Shah, Akif Javed/Mohammad Hasnain

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