Match number three of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 promises an exciting clash between Karachi Kings (KAR) and Multan Sultans (MUL). The match will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi on 12th April 2025, with the game scheduled to start at 8:30 PM. Fans are eagerly waiting to see the debut of former Australian cricketer David Warner for Karachi Kings, while Multan Sultans will be led by national white-ball skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who will look to prove his worth after a challenging period with the national team.
Match Details:
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Match: Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans
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Competition: Pakistan Super League 2025 (PSL)
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Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
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Date & Time: 12th April 2025, 8:30 PM (Local Time)
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Live Coverage: Fancode (WEB & OTT)
Karachi Kings Team Overview:
The Karachi Kings had a disappointing campaign in PSL 2024, finishing in 5th place on the points table. Despite showing some promise, the Kings could only manage four wins out of ten matches, with a total of eight points. However, they have made some key additions to their squad, most notably David Warner, who will bolster their already formidable batting lineup. With former IPL teammates David Warner and Kane Williamson joining forces, Karachi will aim to mount a stronger challenge in PSL 2025. The Kings will hope their international stars can provide the stability and leadership needed to lead them to the playoffs this year.
Key Players:
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David Warner: The Australian opener’s addition to the squad will be a massive boost for Karachi, offering a strong opening partnership with Shan Masood. Warner’s explosive batting style will be a key asset.
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Kane Williamson: Known for his calm and composed batting, Williamson will provide stability in the middle order. His experience and leadership qualities will be crucial.
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Mohammad Nabi: The Afghan all-rounder brings experience and skill, particularly with the ball. His ability to control the middle overs and contribute with the bat makes him an important player.
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Hasan Ali: With the ball, Hasan Ali is always a threat, and his pace will challenge the opposition’s batsmen, especially in the Karachi conditions.
Multan Sultans Team Overview:
Multan Sultans were the standout team in PSL 2024, finishing first on the points table and qualifying directly for the playoffs. However, they were knocked out in the playoffs by Peshawar Zalmi, despite an excellent group-stage performance. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Multan has one of the most balanced squads in the competition. Rizwan, under pressure from his critics, will look to bounce back in style and prove his leadership skills on the PSL stage. With the addition of international stars like Gudakesh Motie and Michael Bracewell, Multan will be eager to go one step further and claim their maiden PSL title.
Key Players:
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Mohammad Rizwan: As the captain, Rizwan will have the weight of expectations on his shoulders. He was in great form in the previous PSL season and will need to continue that form to inspire his team.
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Iftikhar Ahmed: Known for his explosive batting in the middle overs, Iftikhar Ahmed can turn games around with his power hitting.
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Gudakesh Motie: The West Indian left-arm spinner has been impressive in the past and will be key in the middle overs, especially on a high-scoring Karachi pitch.
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David Willey: The England pacer brings variety to Multan’s bowling attack and can provide early breakthroughs in powerplays.
Head-to-Head:
In their previous 15 encounters, the teams have shown a fairly balanced rivalry, with Karachi Kings winning 6 matches, while Multan Sultans have come out on top in 7 games. Two matches have resulted in no result due to weather conditions. The head-to-head record shows that both teams have had their fair share of wins, making this an intriguing matchup.
Pitch Report:
The pitch at the National Stadium, Karachi has historically been a high-scoring one. During the Champions Trophy 2025, the ground saw huge totals, and with a month to work on the wickets, the surface is expected to be fresh for this encounter. The pitch will likely assist the batsmen, especially in the early overs, but spinners might get some help in the middle overs as the game progresses. Toss could play a vital role here, as the captain winning the toss may opt to bowl first, given the chasing team’s advantage. The average first innings score at the venue is around 190, suggesting a high-scoring affair.
Probable Playing XI:
Karachi Kings (KAR):
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David Warner
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Shan Masood
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Kane Williamson
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Tim Seifert
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Arafat Minhas
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Mohammad Nabi
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Khushdil Shah
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Irfan Khan
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Aamer Jamal
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Hasan Ali
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Mir Hamza
Multan Sultans (MUL):
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Mohammad Rizwan (C)
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Kamran Ghulam
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Tayyab Tahir
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Usman Khan
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Iftikhar Ahmed
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Michael Bracewell
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Gudakesh Motie
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David Willey
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Akif Javed
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Mohammad Hasnain
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Usama Mir
Probable Scenarios:
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If Karachi Kings Bat First: Expect a strong start from David Warner and Shan Masood, followed by stability from Kane Williamson and explosive middle-order contributions from Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nabi. The Kings will aim to post a challenging total, likely between 190-210 runs.
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If Multan Sultans Bat First: Mohammad Rizwan will anchor the innings, with key support from Iftikhar Ahmed and the hard-hitting Usman Khan. The Sultans will target a total of around 190-200, with late acceleration from players like Michael Bracewell and David Willey.
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If Karachi Kings Chase: The chase will be made easier if they get off to a solid start from Warner and Masood, allowing the experienced hands of Williamson and Nabi to anchor the chase and finish strong.
Match Prediction:
Given the squad strength and home advantage, Karachi Kings might have the edge in this contest. The addition of David Warner and Kane Williamson significantly strengthens their batting lineup. However, Multan Sultans cannot be taken lightly, especially with a talented squad led by Mohammad Rizwan and bolstered by international stars. A close contest is expected, but Karachi Kings might just edge it with their depth in batting and experience.
Prediction: Karachi Kings to win by 10-15 runs or in a close chase.