Kings manage 5-wicket win against Sultans

LAHORE: Karachi Kings sealed a five wickets win over fighting Multan Sultans in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi Monday.

Lime Livingstone made half-century to script Karachi Kings win after Usman Shinwari and Umar Khan cut Multan Sultans to size with four and three wickets break-up for 15 and 22 runs respectively. Despite hiccups in their approach to 118 runs for seven of Sultans’, Kings were stretched full length to get runs and at last they made 120 for five with four balls to spare. Livingstone hit a six not only to finish off the match but also completed his half-century off 42 balls.

In their chase, Kings’ openers C. Manro (11) and Babar Azam (12) were back to the pavilion by the seventh over at 36, it was then Livingstone and Colin Ingram, who stayed at the pitch, patiently getting runs whenever it was possible. Ingram before being bowled out by Mohammad Abbas made 31 in 24 balls in which he also timed four boundaries. Livingstone on the other end watched Ingram and Iftikhar Ahmed becoming the victims of Abbas. Livingstone played responsibly and also rapidly to maintain the run-rate. He along with Mohammad Rizwan (10) nearly overhauled the target but the latter got out. Livingstone was joined by skipper Imad Wasim to get the score. Mohammad llyas had three wickets for 27 and Abbas two for 14. Karachi Kings contained Multan Sultans within limits and only allowed them reach 118 runs for seven. Their highest scorer was Hammad Azam, who could muster 29 runs in 30 balls. Other reasonable batsmen from Sultans’ side were JM Vince 16, Shoaib Malik, who was the second highest scorer with 26 and CJ Green 16 not out. Both Hammad and Malik hit two fours each while none of their batters could score a six. Only 11 boundaries were hit by Sultans in their 20 overs. Malik’s 26 came off as many balls. Multan that has remained in a strong position throughout the PSL could not stand up to the Kings attack. After losing their first wicket at five, second at 17 and third at 44, Multan could only get 30 runs partnership between Vince and Malik. Karachi Kings had won the toss and elected to bowl against Multan Sultans.