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February 18, 2024
Multan, 18 February 2024: Multan Sultans, last edition’s runners-up, have kicked off HBL PSL 9 on a high note by defeating Karachi Kings by a commanding 55 runs at their home ground, Multan Cricket Stadium. In the match between MS vs KK, Reeza Hendricks and Dawid Malan each scored half-centuries, helping the Sultans post a total of 185 runs in the first innings.
Karachi Kings struggled to keep up in response, managing only 130-8 in their allotted 20 overs. The Kings faced an uphill battle right from the start, as they could not build significant partnerships throughout their innings. The performance in this match highlights the dominance of the Sultans over their rivals.
After winning the toss, Karachi Kings skipper Shan Masood opted to invite Multan Sultans to bat first. The Sultans encountered early trouble when left-arm pacer Mir Hamza struck on the first ball of the third over, dismissing captain Mohammad Rizwan for a modest 12 runs off 11 balls, which included two boundaries. This early wicket set the tone for a competitive match between MS vs KK.
Hendricks made an impressive HBL PSL debut, taking charge from the outset as he aimed to capitalize during the powerplay in the match between MS and KK. After joining opening batter Malan at the crease, the South African top-order batter played a pivotal role in forming a substantial 121-run second-wicket partnership, significantly powering the innings.
Malan reached his half-century before falling to HBL PSL debutant Daniel Sams in the 17th over. The left-handed batter returned to the pavilion after scoring 52 runs off 41 balls, which included four boundaries and one six. This performance contributed significantly to the team’s momentum in the MS vs KK clash.
Following Malan’s departure, Khushdil Shah took to the field and entertained the crowd with a quickfire 28 runs off just 13 balls, featuring four boundaries. His unbroken 47-run partnership with Hendricks propelled Multan Sultans to a competitive total of 185 in 20 overs, further solidifying their dominance in the ongoing MS vs KK match.
Hendricks, who scored an impressive unbeaten 79 runs off 54 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, was named player of the match as he emerged as the top run-getter between MS and KK. Meanwhile, Sams and Hamza were the only two wicket-takers for Karachi Kings.
Chasing a target of 186, Karachi Kings had a shaky start in the MS vs KK clash. Opening batter James Vince managed only 5 runs from 4 balls before being caught by Mohammad Ali at third man after David Willey induced a thick outside edge on the second ball of the third over.
Things worsened for Karachi when Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig fell for a golden duck on the next ball, leaving the Kings at 10-2, thanks to Willey’s superb bowling. The left-arm pacer’s lethal performance with the new ball validated Multan Sultans’ decision to select him as the first pick in the HBL PSL 9 player draft, highlighting his impact in this crucial match between MS and KK.
A 52-run partnership for the third wicket between Shan and veteran Shoaib Malik brought stability to the innings. However, this partnership ended in the ninth when Shan, who scored 30 runs off 31 balls with four fours and one six, was caught by Willey off the bowling of leg-spinner Usama Mir.
Mohammad Nawaz then joined Malik at the crease, and together, they added 37 more runs to the total before right-arm pacer Abbas Afridi dismissed Malik in the 14th over. After scoring 53 runs off 35 balls, Malik walked back, marking his 83rd T20 fifty with five fours and two sixes.
At the same time, Hendricks caught Nawaz at extra cover for just seven runs, leaving Karachi Kings in a challenging position as they lost wickets.
The situation became increasingly dire for Karachi Kings during the 15th over when right-arm pacer Mohammad Ali, making his debut for Multan Sultans, took two wickets while conceding just one run. In his next over, he dismissed Hamza for a golden duck, further complicating the Kings’ chase in the match between MS and KK.
Keiron Pollard attempted to close the gap by clearing the ropes twice in the penultimate. However, with 67 runs needed in the final two overs, the game had slipped entirely out of Karachi Kings’ reach.
Ali was the standout bowler for Multan, claiming three wickets for just 23 runs in his four overs, leading to a comprehensive victory for the Sultans over the Kings. Abbas supported with impressive figures of two wickets for 16 runs in three overs. At the same time, Willey contributed by taking two for 22 runs in four overs. Usama also dismissed one batsman, solidifying the Sultans’ dominance in the MS vs KK matchup.
Match Summary:
Multan Sultans: 185-2 in 20 overs
Karachi Kings: 130-8 in 20 overs
Player of the Match: Reeza Hendricks (Multan Sultans)
Multan Sultans secured a solid victory with a strong performance from Hendricks. At the same time, Karachi Kings struggled to keep up with the run rate.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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