- Tue, March 15, 2022
Loading
Karachi Kings Hammer Multan Sultans as Vince, Khushdil and Nabi Steal the Show in HBL PSL X
In a high-octane clash at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Karachi Kings dismantled Multan Sultans by a staggering 87 runs in Match 20 of HBL PSL X. It was a clinical display from David Warner’s side, powered by an unbeaten fifty from James Vince, the all-round exploits of Khushdil Shah, and a miserly three-wicket haul from veteran Mohammad Nabi. With this commanding win, the Kings notched their fourth victory of the season while Multan Sultans slumped to their seventh defeat in eight games.
Vince Anchors Kings' Dominant Total
Opting to bat first, Karachi Kings posted an imposing 204/4 on the board, crossing the 200-run mark for only the fourth time in their PSL history. David Warner and Tim Seifert provided a turbocharged start, adding 53 in just 23 balls. Warner's 13-ball 30 set the tone with audacious strokeplay, while Seifert chipped in with a brisk 22 off 11.
Although the Kings briefly wobbled at 60/3 after losing three quick wickets in the powerplay, James Vince and Muhammad Irfan Khan steadied the innings. Vince, who remained unbeaten on 65 off 45 deliveries, played a composed yet aggressive knock laced with five boundaries and two sixes. Irfan’s aggressive intent saw him smack three sixes and two fours in his 40-run effort.
The final flourish came from Khushdil Shah, who turned up the heat in the death overs. His 33 not out from just 13 balls included three sixes and two boundaries, helping the Kings plunder 66 runs off the last five overs and setting Multan a daunting target of 205.
Sultans Collapse in the Face of Kings’ Bowling Blitz
Chasing 205, Multan Sultans never got going. Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed early by Aamir Jamal, and their batting order quickly unraveled. The top three were back in the pavilion with only 34 on the board.
Yasir Khan (26 off 17) offered a brief counterattack with three sixes, but the pressure was relentless. Kamran Ghulam top-scored with 29, but his 25-ball vigil ended with little support from the other end. Mohammad Nabi and Khushdil Shah spun a web around the middle order, sharing five wickets between them. Nabi’s 3 for 14 was a masterclass in control and variation, while Khushdil’s 2 for 26 added to the Sultans' woes.
Pacer Mir Hamza also joined the party with figures of 2 for 15, keeping the scoring rate in check. Multan were eventually bundled out for 117 in 16.1 overs, suffering one of the biggest defeats in the tournament.
Kings Revive Their Campaign
For Karachi Kings, this win comes at a pivotal point in their HBL PSL X campaign. With the business end of the tournament approaching, Warner's side looks to be peaking at the right time. The batting unit has fired collectively, and the bowling attack appears well-balanced with a blend of pace and spin. The team's ability to recover from early hiccups and finish strong underlines a growing sense of self-belief.
Multan in Crisis Mode
The Multan Sultans, on the other hand, face a steep climb. With only one win in eight games, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. Their lack of consistency, especially in the top order and middle phase of games, continues to hurt them. Unless their senior players step up swiftly, the season may soon slip beyond salvage.
What’s Next?
Karachi will look to maintain their momentum in upcoming fixtures, while Multan will need a serious turnaround to stay alive in the tournament. With the league entering a crucial stage, every game from here on becomes a virtual knockout for the Sultans.
Comments:
Leave a Reply