Multan Sultans Outgun Karachi Kings in High-Scoring Clash
KARACHI: Multan Sultans held their nerve to defeat Karachi Kings by 11 runs in a high-scoring clash at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday, registering their fifth victory of season 11.
Chasing a daunting 208, Karachi Kings were dismissed for 196 in 19.4 overs despite a spirited effort, as Multan’s bowlers delivered at crucial moments to seal the contest.
Karachi began confidently with Saad Baig and Jason Roy providing early momentum. The opening stand, however, was broken at 29 when Arafat Minhas removed Roy after a brisk 16. The young spinner struck again soon after, dismissing Salman Ali Agha cheaply to leave Kings under pressure.
The home side lost another key wicket inside the powerplay when Peter Siddle accounted for Saad Baig, reducing them to three down early. A recovery followed through Reeza Hendricks and skipper Moeen Ali, who stitched together a steady partnership to revive the chase and bring the total past 100.
Hendricks looked set for a half-century but fell for 49, ending a promising stand. Moeen Ali’s departure a few overs later further dented Karachi’s hopes, leaving them needing a strong finish.
Abbas Afridi injected late momentum with an aggressive cameo, while Hasan Ali also contributed quick runs to keep the chase alive. However, Multan struck back at key intervals — Siddle removed Abbas after his quickfire 34, while a run-out dismissed Adam Zampa. Hasan Ali’s run-out in the final moments ended Karachi’s resistance just short of the target.
Earlier, Multan Sultans posted a competitive 207-7 after being put in to bat. Their innings began with an early setback as Khushdil Shah dismissed Steve Smith for a duck. Awais Zafar and Josh Philippe then rebuilt with a fluent partnership, taking the side past 50.
Philippe’s attacking 44 and Zafar’s steady 36 laid a strong platform before Khushdil struck again to break the stand. Shan Masood then played a crucial knock, adding impetus in the middle overs with a well-compiled 46.
Karachi clawed back through Khushdil’s three-wicket haul and Moeen Ali’s double strike, reducing Multan to a vulnerable position in the later stages. However, a late surge turned the momentum once more.
Mohammad Imran provided the finishing touch with a blistering unbeaten 26 off just eight deliveries, smashing boundaries and sixes in the final over to push Multan past the 200-run mark.
For Karachi Kings, Khushdil Shah was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Moeen Ali supported well with two scalps. Hasan Ali and Adam Zampa chipped in with one wicket apiece, but their efforts ultimately fell short against a composed Multan side.
