KARACHI, April 19 — Multan Sultans defeated Karachi Kings by 11 runs in a high-scoring contest in the 28th match of the Pakistan Super League season 11 at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 208, Karachi Kings were bowled out for 196 in 19.4 overs despite a spirited late fightback, as Multan’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages.
Karachi made a brisk start with Saad Baig and Jason Roy putting on 29 runs before Arafat Minhas struck to dismiss Roy for 16. Minhas continued his impact by removing Salman Ali Agha cheaply, while Peter Siddle accounted for Baig, leaving Kings struggling at 41-3 inside the powerplay.
A 67-run partnership between Reeza Hendricks and captain Moeen Ali revived the innings. Hendricks top-scored with 49 off 32 balls before falling just short of a half-century, while Moeen contributed 27. However, regular wickets stalled momentum, with Ashton Turner and Momin Qamar making key breakthroughs.
Abbas Afridi reignited hopes with a quickfire 34 off 16 balls, but Siddle dismissed him at a crucial moment. Late run-outs, including those of Adam Zampa and Hasan Ali, ended Karachi’s chase.
Minhas starred with the ball, taking three wickets for 32 runs to earn Player of the Match honours.
Earlier, Multan Sultans posted 207-7 after being put in to bat. Their innings began poorly when Khushdil Shah dismissed Steve Smith for a duck. Awais Zafar and Josh Philippe steadied the innings with a 66-run stand, with Philippe scoring 44 off 23 balls.
Shan Masood added 46 off 25 deliveries, but Khushdil struck three times to keep Karachi in the contest. Moeen Ali also chipped in with two wickets.
Late fireworks from Mohammad Imran, who smashed 26 not out off eight balls, propelled Multan past the 200-run mark, proving decisive in a closely fought encounter.
The result strengthens Multan’s position in the league standings, while Karachi face mounting pressure to revive their campaign.