Multan Sultans Claim Nail-Biting 3-Run Victory Over Karachi Kings.
In the 11th match of the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Multan Sultans secured a thrilling 3-run win against Karachi Kings.
Sultans, who batted first, posted a mammoth target of 197 runs, thanks to a magnificent century from captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Karachi Kings’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, but their batsmen began their chase with confidence.
Opener James Vince and Matthew Wade formed a strong opening partnership, putting on 72 runs before Usama Mir struck to break the partnership.
Despite this setback, Vince continued his form and completed his half-century in only 20 balls, hitting six fours and four maximums.
However, the wicket of Vince triggered a collapse, with Haider Ali falling to Khushdil Shah shortly after. Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik tried to hit Abbas Afridi for a six, but he was caught by Kieron Pollard.
All-rounder Ben Cutting also fell to Abbas in the last over. Despite skipper Imad Wasim’s best efforts, scoring 46 runs off 26 balls, the Kings fell short of the target.
For Multan Sultans, Abbas Afridi claimed two wickets, while Usama Mir and Khushdil Shah took one each. Ihsanullah, PSL 8’s top wicket-taker, went wicketless but bowled four crucial overs at a miserly economy of 4.25.
Earlier in the match, Multan Sultans had made a strong start, with Rizwan and Shan Masood putting on an 85-run partnership for the first wicket.
Rizwan was the star of the show, scoring a magnificent century to help his team set the target of 197 runs. In-form Rilee Rossouw also contributed with 29 runs off 21 balls.
Shoaib Malik gave the Kings a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Masood, who had rediscovered his form.
While Rossouw continued to score boundaries, it was Rizwan who did the majority of the damage, putting on a sensational partnership of 109 runs with Rossouw.
Despite the late wicket of Rossouw, Multan Sultans posted a formidable total, which proved to be just enough for victory.
In a thrilling contest, Multan Sultans emerged victorious thanks to Abbas Afridi’s heroics in the final over. Karachi Kings will be disappointed with their performance, having failed to chase down a target that appeared within their reach.
Multan Sultans, on the other hand, will be pleased with their all-round performance, with Rizwan’s century and the bowling unit’s efforts ensuring their victory.
