Reeza Hendricks player of the match | © PSL
Multan Sultans marked their entry into the latest cricket season with a commanding 55-run triumph over Karachi Kings at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The victory was a well-rounded display, featuring strong batting partnerships and clinical bowling performances.
In a strategic move, Karachi Kings opted to field first after winning the toss, hoping to limit Multan Sultans’ scoring. However, the Sultans’ overseas recruits, Reeza Hendricks from South Africa and England’s Dawid Malan, had different plans. The pair formed a 121-run second-wicket partnership, setting the stage for a formidable total.
Reeza Hendricks, the South African batsman, showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten 79 off 54 balls. Dawid Malan, on the other hand, displayed solidity, contributing a valuable 52 runs before falling victim to Daniel Sams’ well-executed slower delivery. The late fireworks came from Khushdil Shah, who smashed a quickfire 28 not out in just 13 balls. Multan Sultans concluded their innings at an imposing 185 for 2.
Facing a daunting target, Karachi Kings encountered a challenging chase. Shoaib Malik, the seasoned campaigner, showed resilience with a fifty, scoring 53 off 35 balls. However, the Kings’ captain, Shan Masood, faced difficulties against his former franchise, managing 30 off 31 balls. The lower order found it challenging to cope with the pace of Multan Sultans’ bowlers, with West Indian Kieron Pollard being the lone batsman to reach double figures with an unbeaten 28.
The turning point in the match came from Multan Sultans’ bowlers, led by the pace of Mohammad Ali, who ran through Karachi’s lower order with figures of 3-23. David Willey played a pivotal role, claiming 2 wickets for 22 runs, including crucial dismissals of James Vince and Saad Baig off successive deliveries. This double blow stifled any momentum Kings hoped to build in their chase.
Karachi Kings’ innings concluded at 130 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs, handing Multan Sultans a convincing victory. This triumph marked a dominant start for the Sultans in the current season. It showcased their determination to perform well after narrowly missing out on the title in the last year’s final against Lahore Qalandars.
The combination of a commanding batting performance from Hendricks, Malan, and Shah, coupled with effective bowling contributions from Ali and Willey, establishes Multan Sultans as a formidable force in the tournament. As the season progresses, the Sultans will aim to build on this momentum and continue their quest for glory in the highly competitive world of T20 cricket.
