Defending champions Peshawar Zalmi will hope for a smooth start to their title defence when they take on debutants Multan Sultans in the opening match of the third edition of the Pakistan Super League on Thursday.

Peshawar, led by charismatic West Indies all-rounder Darren Sammy, have obvious playing experience but Multan have a settled unit as well.

Led by all-rounder Shoaib Malik, Multan have fine hitting power at the top of the order in Ahmed Shehzad and Shan Masood along with Kieron Pollard in the middle.

Malik will rely on the experience of left-arm seamer Sohail Tanvir and South African leggie Imran Tahir to lead the way with the ball. However, Tahir hasn’t had the greatest of seasons.

Peshawar, on the other hand, have a stronger bowling attack with Hasan Ali and Wahab Riaz leading the pace battery. Mohammad Hafeez, Tamim Iqbal and Haris Sohail provide solidity in the batting department.

The match will start at 21:00 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, after a star-studded opening ceremony that is scheduled to kick off at 19:00.

Renowned Sufi singer Abida Parveen, American artist Jason Derulo and fellow singers Ali Zafar and Shehzad Roy will usher in the third edition of the tournament. Also, the Sachal Orchestra will perform folk songs at the venue.