In the third match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9, held at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday, the Multan Sultans secured a notable 55-run victory over the Karachi Kings.
The Sultans’ bowlers delivered a strong performance, limiting the Kings to 130/8 in their pursuit of 186. Debutant pacer Mohammad Ali impressed with figures of 3/23, including the wickets of Daniel Sams, Hasan Ali, and Mir Hamza. David Willey, Mohammad Rizwan’s vice-captain for the Sultans in PSL 9, captured 2/23, while Abbas Afridi contributed with 2/16.
Spinner Usama Mir also played a key role, conceding just 14 runs for one wicket in his spell.
For the Kings, veteran Shoaib Malik scored 54 runs from 35 balls. Captain Shan Masood added 30 runs from 31 balls, and Kieron Pollard of the West Indies made a late effort with an unbeaten 28, though it was not enough to bridge the gap.
The Sultans’ innings earlier featured brisk half-centuries from Dawid Malan and Reeza Hendricks, propelling the team to 185/2. Following an early setback with the loss of their captain Mohammad Rizwan for 11 runs, caught lbw by Mir Hamza, the Sultans recovered admirably.
Hendricks and Malan formed a stabilizing partnership, demonstrating determination and skill to keep the score moving. Their partnership, which contributed 121 runs, concluded in the 17th over with Malan’s dismissal at 52 runs off 41 balls, caught off a slower delivery by Daniel Sams.
Hendricks remained a constant presence, finishing with an unbeaten 79 off 54 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes. His efforts, alongside Khushdil Shah’s quick 28 off 13 balls, significantly bolstered the Sultans’ total.
From the Kings’ bowling lineup, Mir Hamza and Daniel Sams each claimed a wicket. Still, the day belonged to the Sultans, who demonstrated a superior performance in batting and bowling to achieve victory.
