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The battle for a playoff spot intensifies as the Multan Sultans take on the Karachi Kings in the 20th match of the Pakistan Super League 2025. Both teams come into this clash after recent losses to the Quetta Gladiators, adding urgency to their performances. While Multan are at the bottom of the table and struggling for form, Karachi still have a chance to secure a playoff berth if they string together consecutive wins. With Gaddafi Stadium offering a spin-friendly surface, this contest promises to be an intriguing tactical duel between bat and ball.
Match Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings |
| Date | April 12, 2025 |
| Time | 7:30 PM PKT (GMT +5) |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Pitch Condition | Spin-friendly, slow turn |
| Weather | Clear skies, hot & humid |
| Toss Preference | Toss likely to be won by either team; both may choose to bowl first |
Team Previews
Multan Sultans Preview
The defending champions, Multan Sultans, are having one of their worst campaigns in PSL history, winning only once in seven games. The team has struggled with both bat and ball, failing to show consistency across departments. Mohammad Rizwan continues to lead from the front but is yet to get enough support from his middle and lower order. In their last game against Quetta, the batting lineup collapsed under pressure, with most batters scoring in single digits.
The bowling department hasn’t fared any better. David Willey and Mohammad Hasnain remain key pace options, while Usama Mir and Ubaid Shah offer control in the middle overs. However, the lack of wicket-taking ability has been a concern all season. This is a must-win game for the Sultans, not just for points, but also to restore pride and morale within the camp.
Key players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Michael Bracewell will need to step up and provide the necessary firepower in the death overs. If the Sultans can find some rhythm with both bat and ball, there’s still hope for a turnaround.
Karachi Kings Preview
Karachi Kings are still in the race for a playoff spot, despite their recent narrow 5-run loss to Quetta Gladiators. Their bowlers have performed well throughout the tournament, led by Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, and Abbas Afridi. Hasan Ali was particularly effective in the last game, taking three wickets to keep the opposition in check. The addition of Khushdil Shah and Fawad Ali adds depth and variety to the bowling unit.
With the bat, David Warner hasn’t fired consistently, but James Vince and Tim Seifert have provided strong starts. In the middle order, Shan Masood and Omair Yousuf need to stabilize innings, while Mohammad Nabi and Khushdil bring the finishing flair.
Their strategy seems clear — post a competitive total and rely on a potent bowling attack to defend it. With decent results at this venue, the Kings go into this match with more confidence than their opponents and will look to capitalize on Multan’s poor form.
Favourite Team to Win – Why?
| Team | Reason |
|---|---|
| Karachi Kings | Stronger bowling unit, better form with bat and ball, and higher motivation to chase a playoff spot make them slight favorites over a struggling Multan side. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Seifert | Batter (WK) | Karachi Kings |
| David Warner | Batter | Karachi Kings |
| James Vince | Batter | Karachi Kings |
| Shan Masood | Batter | Karachi Kings |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Batter | Multan Sultans |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | All-Rounder | Multan Sultans |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-Rounder | Karachi Kings |
| Abbas Afridi | Bowler | Karachi Kings |
| Hasan Ali | Bowler | Karachi Kings |
| Mir Hamza | Bowler | Karachi Kings |
| Usama Mir | Bowler | Multan Sultans |
Fantasy Explanation
This fantasy XI is built around top performers from both teams. Tim Seifert , James Vince , and Mohammad Rizwan are reliable scorers. Hasan Ali , Abbas Afridi , and Mir Hamza have been consistent wicket-takers. Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nabi add all-round value with batting and economical spells. Usama Mir offers spin variations, making this a balanced and high-scance fantasy pick.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : Tim Seifert (KRK)
- Excellent strike rate and crucial 47 off 26 balls in the previous game
- Vice-Captain : Hasan Ali (KRK)
- Took 3 wickets in the last match and bowls in powerplay
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Curtis Campher (MS) | Out of form, low scoring returns recently |
| David Warner (KRK) | Inconsistent performance so far in the tournament |
Team Squads
Multan Sultans Squad
- Mohammad Rizwan (c)
- Yasir Khan
- Usman Khan
- Kamran Ghulam
- Curtis Campher
- Michael Bracewell
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Mohammad Hasnain
- David Willey
- Usama Mir
- Ubaid Shah
- Imran Tahir
- Sohail Tanvir
- Zeeshan Ashraf
- Qasim Akram
Karachi Kings Squad
- David Warner (c)
- James Vince
- Shan Masood
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Omair Yousuf
- Khushdil Shah
- Mohammad Nabi
- Abbas Afridi
- Hasan Ali
- Mir Hamza
- Fawad Ali
- Usman Qadir
- Zaman Khan
- Mohammad Amir
- Salman Irshad
Probable Playing XI
| Multan Sultans XI | Karachi Kings XI |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (c) | David Warner (c) |
| Yasir Khan | James Vince |
| Usman Khan (wk) | Tim Seifert (wk) |
| Kamran Ghulam | Shan Masood |
| Curtis Campher | Omair Yousuf |
| Michael Bracewell | Khushdil Shah |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | Mohammad Nabi |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Abbas Afridi |
| David Willey | Hasan Ali |
| Usama Mir | Mir Hamza |
| Ubaid Shah | Fawad Ali |
Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium has been slow with good carry, favoring spinners and making stroke play difficult in the middle overs. Pacers struggle to extract movement or bounce, while spinners often get sharp turn. Chasing is preferred due to the nature of the surface, although a score above 180 should be competitive.
Toss Prediction
The toss will play a significant role in determining the match outcome. Considering the pitch behavior, we expect the winning captain to opt for bowling first to avoid chasing under lights and on a turning track.
Winner Prediction
While both teams are coming off losses, Karachi Kings enter this contest with better balance, form, and a stronger bowling attack , giving them the edge over a demoralized Multan Sultans squad that has struggled for consistency all season. A win here could reignite their playoff hopes.
PREDICTED WINNER: KARACHI KINGS
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