Babar Azam’s 85 went in vain as struggling Multan Sultan seal victory against defending champions Karachi Kings in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League season six in Abu Dhabi.
In the first innings, Multan Sultan’s key batsman, Rilee Rossouw and Khushdil Shah guided their team to a good score. First South African batsmen Rossouw smashed 44 runs off 24 balls with the help of seven fours. Such was left-handers control and execution that it felt like he was batting on a different surface. Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Sohaib Maqsood also contributed with the bat. In the last five overs, Khushdil Shah hammered 44* runs off 24 balls. Sultans after a brief stutter in the middl part of the innings finished with 176 for 5.
In reply, Karachi Kings lost Sharjeel Khan early courtesy of a run-out. Credit should also be given to Multan’s pacer who bowled disciplined lines, increasing pressure on the batsman. Overseas pro-Martin Guptill and Najibullah Zadran also weren’t able to contribute much and scored just 11 runs each.
Babar Azam along with Chadwick Walton stitched a 77 runs partnership together. Walton made 35 with the help of four boundaries and a six. Babar scored 85* runs off 63 balls spread over five boundaries and four sixes. Even though Babar Azam accelerated towards the end of the innings but his slowish start cost Karachi big time as they fell short by 12 runs.
Imran Khan Sr took three wickets while Imran Tahir bagged two wickets.
After the crucial victory, the Multan Sultans stands at fifth spot in the points table, while Karachi Kings have retained the second position.
