PSL-9 : All-round Multan Sultans beat Karachi Kings by 55 runs

Multan Sultans beat Karachi Kings by 55 runs in the third match of the Pakistan Super League (9th edition) at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday. 

Multan Sultans batted first and set a target of 186 for Karachi Kings. Karachi Kings only managed to score 130 in their 20 over innings, losing 8 wickets along the way.

The Kings had earlier won the toss and chose to field against the Sultans in the first match of their PSL campaign.

In the evening’s double-header at the Multan Cricket Stadium, spectators saw the Sultans take on the Karachi Kings. Out of their 11 previous matchups, Karachi Kings have won 6 times and Multan Sultans have won 5 times.

The Sultans, known for their consistency in recent PSL seasons and making it to the finals thrice, are looking to maintain their successful run.

Mohammad Rizwan, the wicket-keeper batsman, will captain the Sultans. The team boasts a strong batting lineup, with local stars such as Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah.

The team also flaunts international batting prowess with players such as Dawid Malan and Reeza Hendricks. However, the middle order lacks a quality all-rounder, with David Willey being the sole international option.

In the bowling department, the absence of key fast bowlers Ihsanullah and Reece Topley due to injuries poses a challenge. Chris Jordan and Shahnawaz Dahani are anticipated to spearhead the new-ball attack, while Usama Mir and Faisal Akram will take charge of spin duties.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Kings, who finished in the bottom two in the previous two seasons, are aiming for an improved performance this time around. They have bolstered their middle order with the addition of all-rounders Kieron Pollard and Daniel Sams, offering capabilities with both bat and ball.

Experienced campaigners Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Nawaz bring valuable PSL experience to the team.

Jamie Overton’s injury-induced absence presents a challenge for the Karachi Kings’ fast bowling lineup, putting more pressure on Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza.