Karachi qualifies for PSL final, defeats Multan Sultans in super over

KARACHI: Karachi Kings has qualified for the final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) by defeating Multan Sultans in a super over today (Saturday) at National Stadium Karachi.

Chasing a target of 142 runs, Kings lost opener Sharjeel Khan early as he was brilliantly caught by Imran Tahir for 4. Babar then found an able ally in Alex Hales as both combined for a 42-run partnership.

However, a freak run-out on the bowling of Khushdil Shah in the tenth over brought an end to Hales’ promising knock of 22 runs. Babar surpassed Peshawar Zalmi’s Kamran Akmal record of having the most fifty-plus scores (13) in PSL history.

Tanvir later picked up the crucial wicket of Babar Azam (65) in the 17th over. Babar’s departure brought a flurry of wickets as Kings lost Chadwick Walton, Shane Rutherford and Wayne Parnell in the space of eight balls.

With Kings still needing 19 runs in 11 balls, Kings captain Imad Wasim’s 27-run innings couldn’t take his team over the line but ensured a super over to decide the winner.

Super Over

Karachi’s Shane Rutherford and Sharjeel Khan were first up against Sohail Tanvir in the super over. Sharjeel’s dismissed on the third ball of the over with only three runs on the board.

Rutherford provided impetus to Kings with a six and a four on the fourth and fifth delivery of the over to take Kings’ score to 13, before being dismissed on the final delivery.

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir picked up the ball for Kings in the super over and executed perfected Yorkers to concede only three runs in the first three balls. The left-arm pacer gave only four runs in the next three deliveries.

Karachi Kings’ bowlers had earlier restricted Multan Sultans to 141/7 after winning the toss and electing to field first.