The Multan Sultans’ disastrous HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025) campaign ended embarrassingly at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Ultimately, Karachi Kings humiliated them by 87 runs in a one-sided contest. This marked their seventh loss in eight matches, thereby officially eliminating the 2021 champions from playoff contention. Remarkably, this represents one of PSL’s most dramatic falls from grace. Initially, James Vince’s unbeaten 65 set a strong foundation for Karachi. Later, Mohammad Nabi’s three-wicket haul sealed the Sultans’ fate. Afterward, captain Mohammad Rizwan lamented recurring issues with dropped catches. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings strengthened their playoff bid decisively. Consequently, the Sultans now face tough questions about their future. Sadly, they finished bottom with just one win.
Karachi Kings’ Batting Firepower Too Hot to Handle
Karachi Kings made their mark early with a blistering start that left Multan Sultans dazed. David Warner (30 off 13) and Tim Seifert (22 off 11) ripped 34 off two overs, with Warner hitting 24 of the runs from a solitary Michael Bracewell over. The attack prompted Rizwan to drop spin too early, and the ploy came back to haunt him as powerplay fetched 60 runs.
James Vince came to the fore with a patient 65* off 45 balls, salvaging Karachi following a mini-collapse at 60/3. His 78-run stand with Irfan Khan (40 off 33) steadied the ship before Khushdil Shah’s merciless 33* off 13 balls—which included three sixes—gave Karachi a 204/4 total. The last five overs yielded 66 runs, revealing Multan’s death-bowling vulnerabilities once again.
Multan’s Batting Collapse Sums Up Their Tournament
Pursuing 205, the Sultans’ innings reflected their whole PSL 2025 season—promising beginnings followed by breathtaking collapses. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan got out for a golden duck, and Usman Khan (1) and Yasir Khan (26) fell early, leaving Multan at 34/3. Kamran Ghulam’s 29 provided some resistance, but Mohammad Nabi’s triple-strike (3/14) tore apart the middle order in a spell that saw Curtis Campher, Michael Bracewell, and Usama Mir get out.
Khushdil Shah (2/26) added to the agony by dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed and Ghulam, while Mir Hamza (2/15) mopped up the tail. Multan were bowled out for 117 in 16.1 overs, their fifth sub-120 score this season. The collapse of batting showed their over-reliance on Rizwan and Iftikhar, with no other batsman scoring more than 30 in the match.
Fielding Woes Continue to Haunt Sultans
Rizwan’s post-match confession—”We dropped catches in every match, losing us 60+ runs each time”—captured Multan’s fielding nightmare. Even though they described this as their “best fielding effort,” they managed to drop two regulation catches, including Vince on 25. ESPNcricinfo observed that Multan’s 15 dropped catches in PSL 2025 were the highest by any team and had a direct impact on at least three close losses.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, commentating for PTV Sports, criticized the Sultans’ lack of intensity: “Fielding reflects attitude. Multan’s lethargy in the outfield and poor catching made them their own worst enemies.” The contrast with Karachi’s sharp fielding, exemplified by Warner’s diving catch to dismiss Ghulam, underscored the gulf between the sides.
James Vince Emerges as Karachi’s Playoff Hero
Player of the Match James Vince rescued Karachi’s innings with his second fifty over Multan this year, after his century in their last game. His recovery in the face of early wickets was lauded by coach Phil Simmons, who said in a statement, “Vince’s calmness under pressure is why we chased him in the draft.” At 312 runs for 44.57, the Englishman is Karachi’s highest run-scorer in PSL 2025.
Vince’s partnerships—first with Irfan Khan and then Khushdil Shah—showcased Karachi’s batting depth, a luxury Multan sorely lacked. His post-match remarks—”We knew 180+ would be tough on this pitch”—revealed a tactical awareness that Multan’s batters never matched.
What’s Next for Multan Sultans (PSL 2025)?
Gone with a league-low -2.597 NRR, Multan now has to face tough choices. Cricbuzz expert Saj Sadiq suggested a ‘squad overhaul,’ citing multiple concerns. Firstly, Rizwan’s captaincy faced scrutiny throughout the tournament. Moreover, the team’s aging core (average age 29.8) struggled with fitness demands. Additionally, their adaptability came into question during crucial moments. Specifically, Willey might be released after taking just 6 wickets at 9.23 economy. Similarly, Bracewell’s performance fell below expectations. Furthermore, local picks like Ubaid Shah are disappointed with his 10.12 economy rate.”
On the other hand, Karachi Kings, who are currently fourth with eight points, require a win out of their remaining two matches to enter the playoffs. They possess enhanced bowling (Nabi, Hamza) and explosive finishers (Khushdil, Irfan) who are dark horses, according to The News International.
PSL 2025 Playoff Scenarios
Without Multan in the mix, the playoff contest is reduced to five teams:
Islamabad United (10 ) Practically qualified
Lahore Qalandars (9 points)—Require one win
Quetta Gladiators (9 points) – Solid NRR
Karachi Kings (8 points)—Need to win next match
Peshawar Zalmi (4 points) – Remote chances
PSL 2025 Standings (After Match):
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United | 6 | 5 | 1 | 10 | +1.176 |
| Qalandars | 8 | 4 | 3 | 9 | +1.110 |
| Gladiators | 7 | 4 | 2 | 9 | +1.034 |
| Kings | 7 | 4 | 3 | 8 | +0.445 |
| Zalmi | 6 | 2 | 4 | 4 | -0.847 |
| Sultans | 8 | 1 | 7 | 2 | -2.597 |
