Multan Sultans giving Karachi Kings a sound thrashing defeat
Multan Sultans started their journey in HBL PSL 9 campaign on a winning note at their home ground Multan Cricket Stadium
Multan Sultans, who lost last year’s thrilling final against Lahore Qalandars by one run, opened their campaign with a thumping 55-run victory against all-rounder-heavy Karachi Kings at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Reeza Hendricks and Dawid Malan led the charge with half-centuries, guiding the team to a total of 185 runs in the first innings. In response, Karachi Kings could only muster 130-8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Multan Sultans faced an early setback when left-arm pacer Mir Hamza dismissed Captain Mohammad Rizwan on the first ball of the third over. However, Hendricks, making his HBL PSL debut, showcased his prowess by dominating the power play alongside opening batsman Malan, forming a crucial 121-run partnership for the second wicket.
Despite Malan’s dismissal for a well-made half-century, Khushdil Shah’s entertaining role and an unbroken partnership between him and Hendricks propelled Multan Sultans to their challenging total.
Hendricks’ stellar knock of 79 not out earned him the player of the match award, while Karachi Kings’ bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Daniel Sams and Mir Hamza managing to take wickets.
In their chase of 186, Karachi Kings stumbled early as James Vince and Saad Baig fell cheaply, courtesy of David Willey’s lethal bowling. Despite a brief partnership between Shan Masood and Shoaib Malik, Karachi Kings couldn’t maintain momentum and lost wickets at regular intervals.
Mohammad Ali’s debut performance for Multan Sultans was outstanding, as he scalped three crucial wickets, supported by Abbas and Willey. Karachi Kings’ hopes faded as the required run rate soared, leading to a comprehensive victory for Multan Sultans in their opening match of HBL PSL 9.