Karachi Kings made T20 history on Saturday with one of the most dramatic victories in Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, chasing down a mammoth 235-run target to secure a six-wicket win over Multan Sultans in a record-breaking clash at the National Bank Stadium.
The win marked the third-highest successful chase in PSL history and featured a series of milestone performances in the third match of the tournament’s tenth edition.
Opting to bat first, Multan Sultans posted a daunting 234-3, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 105 from skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who reached his second PSL century off 63 balls. New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell added late impetus with a blazing 44 off just 17 deliveries, propelling the Sultans to their imposing total.
Karachi Kings appeared in trouble early in their chase, slipping to 79-4 inside the ninth over. But James Vince and Khushdil Shah turned the match on its head with a record-breaking 142-run partnership for the fifth wicket, the highest in Karachi’s PSL history, surpassing the previous mark of 131 held by Shoaib Malik and Imad Wasim.
Vince led the charge with a breathtaking 101 off 43 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and four sixes, registering the third-fastest century in PSL history. Shah provided crucial support with a 60-run knock from 37 balls as the hosts reached the target with four balls to spare.
The match produced a combined 470 runs, the highest-ever aggregate in a match between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans.
Karachi also became the first team in T20 history to chase a target of 236 or more after losing three wickets during the powerplay, a feat never before achieved in global franchise cricket.
Despite ending on the losing side, Rizwan walked away with a personal milestone, becoming Multan’s leading six-hitter with 53 sixes, including three in Saturday’s innings.
Meanwhile, it was a night to forget for New Zealand pacer Adam Milne, who conceded 60 runs in his four overs, the most expensive spell in Karachi Kings’ history, surpassing Akif Javed’s previous record of 58.
Vince was named Player of the Match for his game-changing knock that ensured a famous win for Karachi Kings and handed them early momentum in PSL 10.