A breathtaking partnership between James Vince and Khushdil Shah propelled Karachi Kings to the third-highest successful chase in PSL history, as they overhauled Multan Sultans’ massive 234-run total with four wickets and four balls to spare at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday night.
Set a daunting 235 for victory, Karachi’s innings wobbled early, but Vince’s blistering 101 off 43 balls — his eighth T20 hundred and the third-fastest century in PSL history — turned the tide. He was brilliantly supported by Khushdil, who hammered 60 off 37 as the duo stitched a record 142-run stand for the fifth wicket to wrest control from Multan.
The chase began in high gear with Tim Seifert smashing 32 off 16 and David Warner racing to 12 off 6. But quick wickets left Kings teetering at 79 for 4 in the seventh over, before Vince and Khushdil initiated a fearless counterattack. The pair batted with poise and power, bringing Karachi within touching distance before both fell in the final two overs with just 13 runs needed.
Mohammad Abbas Afridi, batting at No. 8, sealed the game with a six in the final over, alongside Irfan Khan, completing one of the most dramatic chases in PSL history.
Earlier, Multan captain Mohammad Rizwan scored a majestic 105 not out off 59 balls, his fourth T20 century, anchoring the innings with elegance. He shared vital stands — 63 with Kamran Ghulam (36 off 19) and 74 in the final four overs with Michael Bracewell, who blazed an unbeaten 44 off 17.
Despite conceding over 230 runs, the Kings bowlers fought back admirably with the bat. Khushdil not only starred with the bat but also took the crucial wicket of Usman Khan, while Akif Javed’s 3 for 41 was a silver lining for Multan in an otherwise forgettable night with the ball.
Scores in brief:
Match 3 – Karachi Kings beat Multan Sultans by 4 wickets at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi
Multan Sultans: 234-3 in 20 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 105*, Michael Bracewell 44*, Kamran Ghulam 36; Khushdil Shah 1-33)
Karachi Kings: 236-6 in 19.2 overs (James Vince 101, Khushdil Shah 60, Tim Seifert 32; Akif Javed 3-41)
Player of the Match: James Vince (Karachi Kings)
Next Fixture: Sunday – Quetta Gladiators vs Lahore Qalandars at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; 8:00 PM PKT
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