Home
In an exhilarating display of cricketing excellence, the Multan Sultans have become the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9. Their victory over the Karachi Kings by a margin of 20 runs at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Sunday (March 3) night was not just a win but a statement of intent and dominance that has characterised their campaign this season as they made it to six wins in seven matches played in the competition thus far this season.
Rizwan and Usman take charge of Sultans' batting
The Sultans, after winning the toss and electing to bat, put on a formidable total of 189/3 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings began on a shaky note with Reeza Hendricks being dismissed early for 13, caught at deep third by Mir Hamza off the bowling of Blessing Muzarabani. However, this early loss did little to deter the spirits of the Multan Sultans as Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan took to the crease, weaving a partnership that would become the backbone of their innings.
The duo's partnership of 148 runs for the second wicket was a masterclass in batting, blending cautious play with aggressive shot-making. Usman Khan, in particular, showcased his prowess during the powerplay, taking on the Karachi bowlers, including Muzarabani and Mohammad Nawaz, to help the Sultans cross the 50-run mark within the first six overs. He remained unbeaten and scored 106 runs off 59 balls with the help of 10 fours and five sixes.
Rizwan notches yet another T20 half-century
The partnership's crescendo came in the 15th over, where 20 runs were scored, including two sixes and a boundary, highlighting the strategic acumen and execution of the Sultans' batting lineup. Rizwan's contribution was equally significant, as he notched up his 63rd T20 half-century in the process.
The pivotal partnership was eventually broken in the 18th over when Muzarabani dismissed Rizwan for 58 runs, bringing an end to what had been a game-changing stand. Following Rizwan's dismissal, Iftikhar Ahmed and other subsequent batters managed to add crucial runs, setting a challenging total for the Karachi Kings to chase.
Poor start leads to Karachi's downfall
In response, the Kings' innings began with an unfortunate run-out of Tim Seifert in the second over, setting the tone for what would be a challenging chase. Despite a promising 47-run third-wicket partnership between Shan Masood and Shoaib Malik, Multan's bowlers, led by Usama Mir who picked up two wickets, kept a tight leash on the scoring, breaking partnerships at critical junctures. The Kings struggled to build momentum, with each batsman's dismissal further tightening the noose.
Karachi Kings' innings saw moments of potential resurgence, particularly during the middle overs, but Multan's bowlers effectively quashed any hopes of a comeback. Despite a valiant effort, the Kings could only muster 169/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 20 runs. The disciplined bowling effort by the Sultans was highlighted by contributions from Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali, Khushdil Shah, David Willey, and Chris Jordan, each taking crucial wickets to stymie the Kings' chase.
Â
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:Â
Mumbai Indians legend leaves PSL 2024 midway to return to India, Here’s why?
PSL 2024: Karachi Kings' 13 players suffer from food poisoning, one hospitalised; Shan Masood makes 4 forced changes including 2 overseas
