KARACHI: Usman Khan’s sensational century, followed by a combined bowling performance led Multan Sultans to a 20-run victory over Karachi Kings in the 19th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 here at National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, Multan Sultans got off to a rocky start as they lost Reeza Hendricks early, but captain Mohammad Rizwan’s aggressive partnership with Usman Khan steered them back on track. Rizwan’s impressive knock of 58 runs complemented Usman’s outstanding performance, setting a formidable target of 189 runs for Karachi Kings.
Despite a valiant effort from Shoaib Malik, who top-scored with 38 runs, Karachi Kings fell short in their chase, managing only 169 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Multan Sultans’ bowlers, led by Usama Mir, played a crucial role in restricting Karachi’s batting lineup.
Karachi Kings got off to an unwanted start to the inning as they lost two quick wickets — Tim Seifert (1) and James Vince (7) — inside the batting powerplay with only 28 runs on the scoreboard.
Following the slump, captain Shan Masood partnered with Shoaib Malik to anchor the run chase. The pair batted sensibly and added 53 crucial runs for the third wicket before Usama Mir dismissed Shan Masood in the 10th over to dent Karachi Kings’ recovery.
Shan Masood scored an anchoring 36 runs off 29 deliveries, hitting five boundaries.
Shoaib Malik then put together a brief partnership with Leus du Plooy (12) before both fell in successive overs, resulting in the Karachi Kings slipping to just 99/5 in 13 overs.
Karachi Kings then lost another wicket in the 17th over when Muhammad Irfan Khan returned after scoring a 19-ball 23 runs.
Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz offered valuable resistance in the death over with a brilliant 41-run partnership which lasted on the penultimate delivery but the Karachi Kings fell short of tasting their third victory in the PSL 9.
Hasan Ali scored a brisk 17 off eight deliveries while Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten with a 17-ball 27, featuring three boundaries and a six.
For the Sultans, Usama Mir bagged two wickets while David Willey, Chris Jordan, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Ali struck out a batter apiece.
Multan Sultans Batting Against Karachi Kings
Earlier, opting to bat first, Multan Sultans scored a formidable total of 189/3 against Karachi Kings.
After a shaky start that saw Reeza Hendricks departing early with just 16 runs on the board, Usman Khan joined Multan Sultans’ captain Mohammad Rizwan in the middle, initiating a remarkable counterattack. The duo stitched together a remarkable second-wicket partnership, adding 148 runs to the Sultans’ total.
While Rizwan anchored the innings with a cautious half-century, Usman Khan emerged as the chief aggressor, unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes. Rizwan eventually fell in the 18th over after scoring 58 runs off 44 deliveries.
However, Usman Khan continued his onslaught, smashing an unbeaten 106 runs off just 59 balls, adorned with 15 boundaries and five towering sixes. His sensational century powered Multan Sultans to a daunting total.
The Kings managed to pick up a wicket in the form of Iftikhar Ahmed, but Usman Khan remained unbeaten till the end, guiding his team to a commanding position. Blessing Muzarabani led the bowling attack for the Karachi Kings, while Hasan Ali claimed one scalp.
Multan Sultans currently lead the PSL 9 standings with 10 points from six matches, while Karachi Kings occupy the fifth position with four points from five matches.
Karachi Kings Playing XI
Shan Masood (c), James Vince, Tim Seifert, Leus du Plooy, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nawaz, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood, Hasan Ali, Blessing Muzarabani.
Multan Sultans Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Reeza Hendricks, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Usma Mir, Mohammad Ali, Faisal Akram.
