Multan Sultans, runners-up in last year’s nail-biting final against Lahore Qalandars, commenced their campaign with a commanding 55-run victory over Karachi Kings at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Chasing a tough score of 185 runs set by Sultans, after Kings chose to bowl, Reeza Hendricks and Dawid Malan played exceptionally well. Hendricks scored an unbeaten 79 runs from 54 balls, while Malan added a strong 52 runs. Together, they built a strong 121-run partnership for the second wicket. Shoaib Malik, an experienced player, contributed a quick 53 runs from 35 balls, enhancing the team’s total score.
Sultans’ bowlers, led by Mohammad Ali (3-23) and David Willey (2-22), restricted Karachi Kings to 130 for 8 in their 20 overs. Kings’ captain Shan Masood struggled with a 30 off 31 balls against his former franchise. Kieron Pollard (28 not out) was the lone contributor in a lackluster batting display by the former champions.
Fast bowler Mohammad Ali dismantled Karachi’s lower order, and David Willey’s twin strikes in the same over disrupted Kings’ chase, ensuring Sultans maintained control throughout the game.
Leave a Reply