Vince, Khushdil Star in Karachi’s Record Chase Against Multan in PSL Run-Fest

In a high-octane clash that produced a staggering 470 runs, Karachi Kings pulled off a dramatic four-wicket win over Multan Sultans, chasing down a mammoth 235 with just three balls to spare in their PSL 2025 encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.

Set a daunting target after Multan posted 234 for 3, the hosts rode on James Vince’s scintillating century and a powerful supporting act from Khushdil Shah to register the third-highest successful chase in Pakistan Super League history.

Vince played a masterclass innings, smashing 101 off just 43 deliveries, setting the tone after the early loss of David Warner. Khushdil, coming in at No. 6, struck a vital 60 off 37 balls as part of a match-winning 142-run partnership that turned the game on its head.

Rizwan’s Heroics in Vain

Earlier, Multan captain Mohammad Rizwan led from the front with an unbeaten 105 off 63 balls, anchoring the innings masterfully. Rizwan combined fluency with composure to guide Multan to a formidable total after they were asked to bat first.

Despite a tidy powerplay spell from Hasan Ali, who removed Shai Hope early, Multan found their momentum thanks to cameos from Kamran Ghulam (36 off 19) and Michael Bracewell, who blazed an unbeaten 44 off 17 to finish the innings with a flourish. However, 22 extras from Karachi’s bowlers helped inflate the total, despite an otherwise erratic death-bowling display.

Karachi’s Chase: From Trouble to Triumph

The chase began with early excitement and setbacks. David Warner opened with a boundary but was soon dismissed LBW by Bracewell—a call he didn’t review despite a hint of doubt. Tim Seifert provided fireworks with a quick 16-ball 32 before falling to Akif Javed, who impressed with pace and ended with 3 for 41.

Karachi were reeling at 79 for 4 after seven overs, but Vince and Khushdil then took control, combining aggression with calculated risk. Vince reached his half-century in just 23 balls and continued his assault with elegant strokeplay. By the 13th over, Karachi had surged to 155 for 4.

Multan had a brief glimmer of hope when Chris Jordan bowled a tight 14th over, but the experienced pacer was then taken apart for 21 runs in the 16th, effectively sealing the game. Akif Javed lost his radar under pressure as Vince smashed a six and three boundaries in a single over.

Though neither Vince nor Khushdil were there to apply the finishing touch, the foundation they laid ensured Karachi crossed the line comfortably with 14 needed off the final over.

Much-Needed Win for Karachi

The victory was a morale booster for Karachi Kings, who had missed the playoffs in the last three seasons. With this win, they have signaled a strong intent early in the tournament.

For Multan, the defeat will sting, especially after Rizwan’s sublime century. Their bowlers, particularly in the middle and death overs, failed to contain the momentum once Vince and Khushdil took charge.

As the PSL 10 continues to deliver thrilling contests, this run-fest in Karachi will surely be remembered as one of the standout games of the season.