Multan Sultans are the team to beat in PSL 9. Sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 10 points from six matches, they’re two points clear of the second-placed Quetta Gladiators.
The ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) heats up as the high-flying Multan Sultans take on the struggling Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Sunday. This is the 19th match of the season and a crucial one for both teams.
The Kings are in a precarious position, having lost their last two matches against Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators. Currently sitting just above the winless Lahore Qalandars in fifth place, their schedule is relentless with this being their third match in just five days.
They’ll also be without one of their key players, Kieron Pollard, who departed for Mumbai to attend a wedding. This adds to the pressure on captain Shan Masood to find a way to lead his team to victory.
On the other hand, the Multan Sultans are the team to beat in PSL 9. Sitting comfortably at the top of the table with 10 points from six matches, they’re two points clear of the second-placed Quetta Gladiators.
Their captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has led by example, guiding them to a dominant 60-run win over Lahore Qalandars despite missing key players. A win on Sunday would further solidify their lead and put pressure on their closest rivals.
Pitch and Weather Conditions:
The National Stadium pitch has so far favored bowlers, with teams batting second only managing to score 169 runs in each of the two previous games played there. Winning the toss will be crucial, with captains likely opting to bowl first to capitalize on the pitch and avoid the potential challenges of fielding in the dew-laden second innings.
Thankfully, the weather forecast for Sunday is clear and sunny, with no rain predicted. This will ensure an uninterrupted match for Karachi and Multan fans.
ALSO READ: Hassan Ali Eyes a Spot in National Team for T20 World Cup 2024
Head-to-Head:
The historical rivalry between these two teams is evenly balanced. In their 14 past encounters, both sides have secured six wins each, with two ending without a result.
Predicted Lineups:
Here’s a look at the probable playing XIs:
Multan Sultans: Muhammad Rizwan (C/W), Usman Khan, Reeza Hendricks, Tayyab Tahir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Usama Mir, David Willey (V/C), Abbas Afridi, Faisal Akram, Mohammad Ali
Karachi Kings: Shan Masood (C), Tim Seifert (W), James Vince (V/C), Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Nawaz, Irfan Khan Niazi, Anwar Ali, Hasan Ali, Zahid Mahmood, Blessing Muzarabani
Players to Watch:
Muhammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans): The Multan Sultans captain is a proven performer in the PSL, seeking a strong comeback after a modest showing in the previous game. With the T20 World Cup approaching, he’ll be looking to improve his strike rate.
Faisal Akram (Multan Sultans): This young spinner will be a key player for the Sultans. Having previously played for the Karachi Kings without much opportunity, he’ll be eager to prove his talent against his former team with his variations and consistency.
Match Prediction:
Given their current form and strong bowling attack, the Multan Sultans are favorites to win this clash. However, the Kings shouldn’t be underestimated, and their desperation for a win could make the match interesting.
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Can the Multan Sultans further extend their lead, or will the Karachi Kings pull off a surprise upset? Tune in on Sunday to find out!
