.jpg){kind=logo}
The highly anticipated clash between Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings in the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to unfold in a night encounter at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday, featuring a thrilling double-header.
Having faced each other 11 times previously, Karachi Kings holds a narrow lead with 6 victories, while Multan Sultans secured 5 wins in their encounters.
Multan Sultans, a consistent force in recent PSL seasons, have reached the finals in the last three campaigns. Led by the proficient wicket-keeper batter, Mohammad Rizwan, the team boasts a formidable batting lineup comprising local talents like Yasir Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Khushdil Shah. International stars such as Dawid Malan and Reeza Hendricks add to their batting prowess. However, the absence of a quality all-rounder in the middle order, with David Willey being the sole international option, is a notable point.
In the bowling department, the team faces setbacks with key seamers Ihsanullah and Reece Topley sidelined due to injuries. The new-ball attack is expected to be led by Chris Jordan and Shahnawaz Dahani, while spin duties will be shouldered by Usama Mir and Faisal Akram.
On the flip side, Karachi Kings, aiming to improve on their bottom-two finishes in the last two seasons, have strengthened their middle order with all-rounders Kieron Pollard and Daniel Sams. Experienced players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Nawaz bring valuable PSL experience to the team. The opening duo of Shan Masood and James Vince is geared up for aggressive runs during the powerplay.
The absence of Jamie Overton due to injuries poses a challenge to Karachi Kings' pace attack, putting additional pressure on Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza. However, the spin department looks robust with Tabraiz Shamsi and Arafat Minhas.
Pitch Report:
The Multan Cricket Stadium pitch is expected to favor batsmen, with high-scoring encounters anticipated. Opting to bowl first is considered advantageous due to potential dew in the second innings. A competitive total is deemed to be above 180 runs.
Probable Playing XIs:
Multan Sultans:
Reeza Hendricks, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Dawid Malan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Tayyab Tahir, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani
Karachi Kings:
Shan Masood (c), James Vince, Mohammad Akhlaq, Shoaib Malik, Irfan Niazi, Mohammad Nawaz, Daniel Sams, Hasan Ali, Blessing Muzarabani, Mir Hamza, Tabraiz Shamsi
Prediction:
With Multan Sultans appearing stronger and enjoying the advantage of the home crowd, they are poised to have the upper hand in the upcoming match against Karachi Kings
