Following an action-packed and glamorous curtain raiser to unfold this season's fascinating cricket encounters, the first match of PSL 2018 between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and newcomers Multan Sultans has started in Dubai.

Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal finally arrived on Thursday after facing some visa-related issues. He has been included in the Peshawar Zalmi’s starting XI. However, another Bangladesh batsman – Sabbir Rahman will not be playing for the Peshawar-based franchise today.

Zamli were sent to bat first following the toss. Tamim was given out and survived the first blow taking a review in the very second over, as that certainly was a wide delivery and did not have any contact with the batsman's gloves. On the other hand, Kamran Akmal gave his wicket away for a duck in the same over before his team could settle things down a little bit in front of the Multan bowling attack.

Tamim also left the pitch on 11 runs trying to hit Mohammad Irfan but got out as Junaid Khan took a diving catch.

Dwayne Smith and Mohammad Hafeez are on the crease trying to prevent further wicket-falls.

Score:
Peshawar Zalmi: 50/2 (after 9 overs)

Toss: Multan Sultans won the toss and opt to bowl

Multan Sultans (Playing XI): Kumar Sangakkara(w), Ahmed Shehzad, Shoaib Malik(c), Kieron Pollard, Sohaib Maqsood, Saif Badar, Sohail Tanvir, Hardus Viljoen, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Imran Tahir