Hassan Raza 
Multan Sultans 207 for 7 (Masood 46, Philippe 44, Khushdil 3-35, Moeen 2-30) beat Karachi Kings 196 (Hendricks 49, Abbas 34, Minhas 3-32, Siddle 2-32) by 11 runs
In a pulsating encounter at Karachi’s National Stadium, the Multan Sultans weathered a late onslaught from Abbas Afridi and Hasan Ali to clinch a crucial 11-run victory over Karachi Kings. The high-scoring contest kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final over, as the Sultans solidified their path to the PSL 2026 playoffs and climbed to second on the points table with 10 points. Karachi Kings, meanwhile, remain stranded at seven points after their fourth consecutive defeat.
Late Drama: Abbas and Hasan Nearly Pull Off Miracle
The Sultans looked comfortable after skipper Ashton Turner removed Karachi captain Moeen Ali at the start of the 15th over, leaving the Kings needing 79 runs from 35 balls with half their side back in the pavilion. However, Abbas Afridi reignited hopes for the Kings with a breathtaking counter-attack, launching back-to-back slog sweeps off Momin Qamar before punishing Arafat Minhas with consecutive boundaries in the following over.
Hasan Ali joined the fireworks, smashing a six over square leg to kick off his innings. The pair added 17 runs off Mohammad Imran’s penultimate over, reducing the equation to just 23 needed from 12 balls with two wickets in hand. However, Sultans’ veteran Peter Siddle delivered a masterful penultimate over, conceding only five runs and dismissing Abbas with a clever change of pace. The Sultans sealed victory by running out Hasan in the final over, ending Karachi’s hopes in dramatic fashion.
Pitch and Early Breakthroughs
The National Stadium pitch, prepared with imported Australian soil, offered a true surface for a run-filled spectacle. Early wickets were always going to be crucial, and Arafat Minhas delivered, removing Jason Roy and Salman Ali Agha in rapid succession during the powerplay. Siddle joined the act, bouncing out Saad Baig to leave the Kings reeling in the sixth over.
Middle-Order Resistance
Karachi’s chase was steadied by a 67-run partnership between Moeen Ali (27 off 23) and Reeza Hendricks (49 off 32), but consistent pressure from the Sultans’ bowlers kept the required rate climbing. When Hendricks fell for a well-made 49 in the 13th over, Karachi faced a steep climb, needing over 13 runs per over in the final stretch.
Sultans’ Batting Fireworks
Earlier, Multan Sultans’ innings was built on explosive contributions from Josh Philippe (44 off 23) and Shan Masood (46 off 25). Imran’s late blitz – smashing 26 runs from just eight balls, including 21 in the final over bowled by Hasan Ali – propelled the Sultans beyond the 200-run mark. Philippe, coming in after Steven Smith’s early departure, laid the foundation with a flurry of boundaries, while Masood targeted the spinners with authority, dispatching Adam Zampa for three boundaries in an over and clearing the ropes off Moeen and Khushdil Shah.
Khushdil Shah managed to halt Sultans’ momentum, picking up three key wickets in his first three overs, but the Kings were unable to contain the late surge as Multan added 45 runs in the last three overs. Hasan Ali endured a tough outing, conceding 51 runs from his four overs.
Key Performers
- Multan Sultans: Shan Masood (46), Josh Philippe (44), Imran (26 off 8), Arafat Minhas (3-32), Peter Siddle (2-32)
- Karachi Kings: Reeza Hendricks (49), Abbas Afridi (34), Hasan Ali (23), Khushdil Shah (3-35), Moeen Ali (2-30)
What’s Next?
The Sultans’ composed finish under pressure has placed them in a strong position heading into the final stages of the league, while Karachi Kings will be desperate to snap their losing streak and keep their playoff hopes alive. With the PSL 2026 playoffs race intensifying, every match becomes a must-watch thriller.
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