MULTAN: In the inaugural match of their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 campaign, Multan Sultans rode on Dawid Malan and Reeza Hendricks’ impressive batting display to post a formidable total of 185/2 against Karachi Kings in Multan on Sunday.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Multan Sultans faced an early setback when skipper Mohammad Rizwan fell lbw to Mir Hamza on the very first delivery of the third over, with the team’s score at 17.
However, Malan and Hendricks formed a strong partnership to stabilize the innings. Their steady approach and consistent scoring kept the scoreboard ticking, with both batsmen notching up well-deserved half-centuries.
The partnership flourished to 121 runs before Malan departed in the 17th over, mistiming a delivery from Daniel Sams and offering a catch to substitute fielder Irfan Khan. Malan’s knock comprised four boundaries and a six, contributing 52 runs off 41 balls.
Hendricks, on the other hand, remained unbeaten throughout the innings, playing a dominant innings of 79 runs from 54 deliveries. His innings included seven boundaries and three sixes, providing crucial momentum to the Sultans’ innings.
Hendricks found a valuable partner in Khushdil Shah, who contributed a quickfire 28 runs off just 13 balls, forming a 47-run partnership for the third wicket.
In the bowling department, Mir Hamza and Daniel Sams picked up one wicket each for Karachi Kings.
With a formidable total of 185/2 on the board, Multan Sultans have set a challenging target for Karachi Kings to chase in the opening fixture of PSL 9.
