Multan Sultans became the champions of the HBL Pakistan Super League after defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final match of the series on Thursday at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The Sultans broke records after giving Zalmi a towering target of 207 to chase. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan hit the first boundary of the match, but it was Sohaib Maqsood and Rilee Rossouw who powered the score up with a partnership of 98.

Zalmi did not go down without a fight. Akmal pushed Zalmi to a good start with 36, and Malik contributed 48 to the total in just 28 balls, but Zalmi was no match for Sultan’s wicket-takers, who sealed both teams’ fate. Blessing Muzarabani, Imran Khan and Imran Tahir dismissed Zalmi’s key scorers, with Tahir removing Malik just before he could make a half century.

Sultan’s maiden victory was celebrated with fireworks at the stadium, and tweets on social media.

Famed cricket personalities including Fakhar Zaman, Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed their happiness for Sultan’s win.

Members of the runner-up team also did not hold back their praises for the Sultan’s performance.

Coach Daren Sammy called the match a great fight.

And Zalmi all rounder Shohaib Malik believed the rival team’s win was well deserved.

Zalmi skipper Wahab Riaz congratulated the Sultan’s on behalf of his team.

The Sultans also celebrated with joy on Twitter.

Coach Azhar Mahmood especially praised Captain Rizwan for his efforts.

Former Multan Sultan Coach Tom Moody also contributed.

Multan fans rejoiced as they watched their team secure their long-awaited win. While Rizwan was the focus of the fans’ praises due to his captaincy.

22-year old fast-medium bowler Shahnawaz Dahani was awarded bowler of the tournament and honoured for his journey as a cricketer on social media.