Pakistan Super League 2022: Match 1, Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

The 2022 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to get underway on January 27 (Thursday) and the opening clash would see Karachi Kings crossing swords with defending champions Multan Sultans. The action takes place at the National Stadium in Karachi. Babar Azam has taken over the reins of the Karachi team and he would be determined to take his side to glory.

On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan would like to take his side to yet another title. Skippers of both teams have been making a lot of noise with their bats lately. However, it would be interesting to see how their tussle turns out. There are also many other prominent players in both camps, who can be match-winners on their day. Hence, an exciting contest is on the cards.

Match Details:

Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans, Match 1

Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

Date & Time: January 27th at 7:30 PM IST and 7:00 PM Local Time

Where to Watch:  Sony Sports network

Pitch Report:

The track at the National Stadium would be fresh and a lot of runs can be on display. While the fast bowlers might get some purchase early on, the Karachi pitch is known to be a batting paradise. As the dew factor is expected to come into play, the toss-winning captain must elect to bowl first.

Average score: 191 (7 T20Is)

Record of chasing teams: Won-2, Lost -5

Probable Playing XIs for KAR vs MUL:

Karachi Kings

Sharjeel Khan, Babar Azam (c), Joe Clarke (wk), Shahibzada Farhan, Tom Lammonby, Jordan Thompson, Lewis Gregory, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Ilyas, Umaid Asif, Mohammad Amir

Multan Sultans

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Johnson Charles, Sohaib Maqsood, Rilee Rossouw, Rovman Powell, Khushdil Shah, David Willey, Anwar Ali, Dominic Drakes/ Imran Tahir, Shahnawaz Dahani, Imran Khan

Probable top performers

Probable best batter of the match:

Mohammad Rizwan- Multan Sultans

Not many batters would be backed to score most runs nowadays when Babar Azam is in option. However, such has been the form of Mohammad Rizwan. The right-handed batter enjoyed a dream run last year and piled up a plethora of runs across formats. He was also exceptional in PSL 2021 and should be expected to replicate his heroics again.

Probable best bowler of the match:

Shahnawaz Dahani – Multan Sultans

With 20 wickets in 11 matches, Shahnawaz Dahani finished as the highest wicket-taker of PSL 2021. The right-arm pacer can set the speedgun on fire and the bucket of variations in his arsenal makes him even more effective. Dahani is also a capped player now and many eyes will be on him.

Today’s match prediction: Multan Sultans to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.