Karachi, March 3, 2024 – In a thrilling clash at the National Bank Stadium, Multan Sultans emerged victorious, crushing Karachi Kings by a commanding 20 runs in Match 19 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9 on Sunday.
Multan Sultan’s skipper, Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to set a target for Karachi Kings. The decision proved to be a masterstroke as Multan Sultan’s batting lineup delivered a stunning performance, posting a colossal total of 189 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
The star of the show was Usman Khan, who showcased sublime form with an unbeaten century, amassing an impressive 106 runs off just 59 balls. Rizwan himself played a pivotal role, contributing a valuable 58 runs in 44 balls. Blessing Muzarabani from Karachi Kings managed to take two wickets for 32 runs in his four overs, while Hasan Ali chipped in with one wicket, conceding 34 runs in his quota of four overs.
As the stage shifted to Karachi Kings’ innings, the target of 190 runs appeared formidable. Despite their best efforts, Karachi Kings could only muster 169 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 20 overs. Shoaib Malik led the batting charge with a brisk 38 runs off 28 balls, and skipper Shan Masood contributed with a solid 36-run inning from 29 balls. The lower order saw Mohammad Nawaz finish unbeaten with 27 runs off 17 balls.
Usama Mir proved to be the thorn in Karachi Kings’ side, claiming two crucial wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. Additionally, Khushdil Shah and David Willey each snared one wicket, adding to the bowling brilliance of Multan Sultans.
The standout performance of the match undoubtedly belonged to Usman Khan of Multan Sultan, who not only dominated with the bat but also played a crucial role in the field. His unbeaten century earned him the well-deserved title of the Player of the Match.
Multan Sultans’ captain, Mohammad Rizwan, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of setting a challenging target. “Our batsmen executed the game plan perfectly, and Usman’s century was a standout moment. The bowlers complemented the effort, and it’s great to see the team firing on all cylinders,” Rizwan remarked in the post-match press conference.
With this resounding victory, Multan Sultans have strengthened their position in the PSL 9 standings, while Karachi Kings will be eager to bounce back in their upcoming matches. The fans can anticipate more intense clashes as the tournament progresses, with teams striving to secure a spot in the playoffs.
