PSL 6 | MS vs KRK: Desperate for redemption Multan Sultans face uphill task against Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings who were relishing their form before the PSL 2021 was suspended in March this year, will be back in action when they take on Multan Sultans in Abu Dhabi on Thursday (June 10, 2021) in a scintillating PSL clash. The two sides have met each other earlier in the competition where the Kings thumped Multan by 7 wickets after Pakistan skipper Babar Azam showed his class and struck an unbeaten 60-ball 90 to help his side chase down a target of 196 in Karachi. While Karachi would be looking to continue their successful campaign so far, the Sultans would see this as an opportunity to get themselves back on track in this tournament. Multan have only won one game out of the five they have played. Karachi Kings on the other hand have won three out of the five matches, gaining six points under their belt. To add to this, the Kings have a slight edge coming into this match with a win in their last game against Peshawar Zalmi. Sultans lost their last match to Quetta Gladiators. Match Details Date: June 10, 2021 (Thursday) Time: 5:00 PM LOCAL/ 6:30 PM IST Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Broadcast/ Live Stream: Sony LIV Weather Report The weather in Abu Dhabi would be hot and won’t change much as the game progresses. As has been seen in the first game, it makes scoring runs a bit difficult with the odd ball gripping and getting stuck in the ground. Pitch Report The track in Abu Dhabi has witnessed some high-scoring games in the past and can be a batting-friendly surface. Nevertheless, the pitch is expected to help the team batting second so if you win the toss, elect to field. Team News A number of overseas players will be missing from the second leg of the PSL due to Covid-19 restrictions and some international fixtures clashing with the tournament. Karachi Kings Karachi Kings have included Thisara Perera, Najibullah Zadran, Martin Guptill and Mohammad Haris as the new recruits while they would be without the services of Colin Ingram, Mohammad Nabi, Dan Christian, Joe Clarke, Liton Das. Babar Azam has been performing consistently for his franchise and the national side and would play a key role in giving a kickstart to the Karachi campaign as it resumes. Apart from Babar, Kings also have some local lads like captain Imad Wasim, left-arm bowler Mohammed Amir and batsman Sharjeel Khan who can help the side keep the momentum on their side. Multan Sultans Multan Sultans have recruited Blessing Muzarabani, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asif Afridi, Hammad Azam, Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Waseem Muhammad as players like Chris Lynn, James Vince, Adam Lyth, Carlos Brathwaite, Obed McCoy, Shahid Afridi, Mahmudullah won’t be a part of the remainder of PSL. Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi was ruled out of the PSL 2021 due to a back injury. “Unfortunately, I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team Multan Sultans,” Afridi said in a statement. “I am disappointed that I would be sitting out of the tournament, but my best wishes, support and prayers are with the team to take the trophy.” Sultans also have Mohammad Rizwan in their line up who can play a crucial role in getting the side back. He has been in some good form and has been one of the top run-scorers in the league so far. Probable XI Karachi Kings - Babar Azam, Martin Guptill, Sharjeel Khan, Danish Aziz, Thisara Perera, Mohammad Haris, Imad Wasim (C), Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Arshad Iqbal, Najibullah Zadran. Multan Sultans - Mohammad Rizwan (capt/ wk), Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Sohaib Maqsood, Rilee Rossouw, Khushdil Shah, Hammad Azam, Sohail Tanvir, Usman Qadir, Blessing Muzarabani, Shahnawaz Dhani Fantasy XI Mohammad Rizwan(vc), Babar Azam(c), Martin Guptill, Rilee Rossouw, Khushdil Shah, Imad Wasim, Thisara Perera, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Amir, Usman Qadir, Arshad Iqbal