KARACHI, Pakistan: James Vince’s sensational century guided Karachi Kings to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 opener at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.
Set a challenging target of 235, Karachi Kings reached the target with four wickets and four balls to spare.
In the 19th over, nine runs were added, but the key moment was Khushdil Shah’s dismissal for a well-played 60 off 37 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes).
A top edge off a short ball from Akif Javed dragged onto the off-stump, bringing an end to a crucial innings.
England batter James Vince, in a blistering display of power-hitting, scored 101 off just 43 balls, which included 14 fours and 4 sixes.
The run chase got off to a flying start, with Vince leading the charge. He raced to a 42-ball century, anchoring the Kings’ pursuit of the massive total.
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Alongside him, Khushdil Shah played a crucial supporting role, contributing 60 off 37 balls, which included four sixes and five fours.
The pair put together a match-winning partnership of 142 runs for the second wicket, laying the foundation for Karachi’s successful chase.
However, the partnership was broken when both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the Kings at 222/6 in 18.3 overs.
Despite the setbacks, a calm and composed partnership between Muhammad Irfan Khan and Abbas Afridi saw the home side across the line on the second delivery of the final over.
Earlier, Multan Sultans set a formidable total of 234/3 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by a remarkable century from their captain, Mohammad Rizwan.
The Sultans’ innings started with intent, as the opening pair of skipper Rizwan and Shai Hope quickly put on 55 runs in just five overs.
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Rizwan was the aggressor, while Hope (8) rotated the strike before falling to Hasan Ali in the sixth over.
Rizwan then shared a brief 27-run stand with Usman Khan, who contributed 19 off 15 balls.
The Sultans’ captain continued to dominate, forming a solid 63-run partnership with Kamran Ghulam, who struck a brisk 36 off 19 deliveries, including five fours and a six.
Rizwan’s leadership with the bat was pivotal, as he found support from Michael Bracewell, who hammered an unbeaten 44 off just 17 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 105 from 63 balls, including 9 fours and 5 sixes, steering the Sultans to a strong total.
The Kings’ bowlers struggled to contain the Sultans’ batting onslaught, with only Hasan Ali, Abbas Afridi, and Khushdil Shah claiming a wicket each.
Akif Javed’s wickets
Akif Javed struck hard in the fifth over, removing both Tim Seifert and Shan Masood with successive deliveries. Seifert, who looked threatening, fell trying to pull a bouncer, only to edge it behind to Rizwan.
Bracewell made an instant impact, removing David Warner with his very first ball—a loopy full toss that pinned the Aussie plumb in front as he attempted a bold switch hit.
Karachi got off to a blistering start, as Tim Seifert tore into David Willey in the third over, smashing two sixes and three fours in a dominant display of power hitting.
After a wayward first over, Akif Javed bounced back superbly with pace and control. Touching 148 km/h, he found movement off the pitch and beat Warner’s bat twice in a fiery spell.
The Kings opened with intent, as Seifert and Warner launched a blistering assault in the first over, setting the tone for a high-octane chase.
Rizwan’s ton
Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliant century powered Multan Sultans to a commanding 234-3 against Karachi Kings in the third match of PSL Season 10 at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.
The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 105 from 63 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes.
He was well supported by Michael Bracewell, who smashed a quick 44 off just 17 deliveries, and Kamran Ghulam, who added a brisk 36 from 19 balls.
Despite wickets from Hasan Ali, Asif Afridi, and Khushdil Shah, Karachi’s bowlers could not disrupt the key partnership between Rizwan and Bracewell, leaving a tough chase of 235.
Rizwan’s crucial partnership came alongside Ghulam, with the pair adding 63 runs in just six overs.
Despite a few stumbles in the middle order, Rizwan held firm at the crease and built an unbeaten partnership with Bracewell to see out the innings in fine fashion.
Their efforts ensured Multan reached an imposing total of 234 for 3 from their 20 overs.
Earlier, Karachi Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Karachi Kings Playing XI
David Warner(c), James Vince, Shan Masood, Tim Seifert(w), Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Adam Milne, Arafat Minhas, Hasan Ali, Fawad Ali, Abbas Afridi.
Multan Sultans Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Shai Hope, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Shahid Aziz, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Akif Javed.
