KARACHI: Karachi Kings set 125 runs target for Multan Sultans in the first match of the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 at National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Earlier, Multan Sultans had won the toss and invited Karachi Kings to bat first.
Both teams reached the playoffs last year. Karachi Kings finished the league stage at number four on the points table.
They, however, couldn’t reach the finals as they lost to Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 1 clash. Ahead of a new season, Karachi Kings would look to start on a positive note with an aim to win the title.
Babar Azam has taken over the leadership duties from Imad Wasim for the upcoming edition. Karachi Kings have retained eight players from the last edition. Babar Azam will once again be seen opening the batting alongside Sharjeel Khan. Joe Clarke is there in the squad, who will add firepower in the batting department. The trio makes it a solid top-order.
In the middle-order, they have got the likes of M Nabi and Imad Wasim. Besides, they have added Lewis Gregory, who will add depth in the batting order. The presence of these three all-rounders will give a lot more balance in the team.
As far as the pace-bowling department is concerned, Karachi Kings will rely on the services of Mohammed Amir and Chris Jordan. The latter is their latest acquisition. Though, he will join the squad a bit later in the tournament.
Multan Sultans, on the other hand, won the tournament last year. They would look to defend the title ahead of a new season. Mohammad Rizwan will continue to lead the side. They have a solid top three, comprising of M Rizwan, Shan Masood, and Sohaib Maqsood. All three performed brilliantly last year and are expected to replicate similar performances this year as well.
In a bid to add firepower in the middle-order, they have included Tim David. On his day, he can tear apart any bowling unit. His presence should keep the team in good stead. He will be supported by the likes of Rilee Rossouw and Khushdil Shah in the middle-order.
Multan Sultans have a great bowling unit at their disposal. Shahnawaz Dahani, who had a sensational outing last year, should lead the bowling attack. He will be supported by the likes of Blessing Muzarabani and David Willey. As for the spin, Imran Tahir should be their biggest bet.
