PSL 2020 Qualifier 1: Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings Predictions and Preview

This Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings Prediction comes after a long wait, 8 months on, but we are finally here for the playoffs of PSL 2020. With the hastily-instated semis being changed back to playoffs, this should be standard procedure as usual. Despite losing their last match in front of a vacant Multan Cricket Ground, Multan Sultans still remain the favourites to take this season’s PSL title. However, their last loss showed that the team, who were on a 7-match unbeaten streak (though one might thank the weather for that, as there were two no-results, and in one of those, Multan were in a very shaky position). Luckily for them, their opponents, Karachi Kings, have always faltered in the playoff stage, having never reached a final. In any case, it will be a tooth-and-nail fight between two potential first-time finalists. Before the fireworks begin in front of a few lucky groundsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium, let’s take a look at how the teams fare against each other.

Multan Sultans Preview & Form

After two years of finishing in 5th place, the Sultans have finally made it to the playoffs - and in style. Despite having their unbeaten streak broken in their last match, MS will have mixed feelings about having Rilee Rossouw back while James Vince misses out with a positive Covid test. Their batting has other options, though, with Shan Masood and others capable of holding the fort, and Adam Lyth replacing Vince. Their bowling fell flat in the last match, but have had their moments over the course of the tournament. If they are to win against Karachi, they will certainly have to polish the bowling - especially since the match will take place at the same venue where they played their last match. 

Karachi Kings Preview & Form

After how the league stages went, Karachi Kings will be hard-pressed to fancy themselves beating Lahore. They do have some strong local hands at work, including but not limited to, Pakistan’s top batsman Babar Azam, his tough-as-nails teammate Sharjeel Khan, and veteran quick and master of swing Mohammad Amir. As far as the last 5 meetings between them go, KK have the advantage with 3 wins and a no-result. Both teams will be nervous about the match, as this is the first time the Sultans have managed to qualify to the second round of the tournament, while Karachi has never managed to progress to the final despite having made it to the playoffs multiple times. It will be a true battle of both wits and skill when it comes down to it.

MS vs KK Qualifier 1 Predictions

If failure is indeed a good teacher, Karachi will have a solid chance of making it through to the final at last. Expect Babar Azam and Sharjeel Khan to shine with the bat, while Mohammad Amir and Chris Jordan go to town with the ball.

With expectations being a perennial problem, Multan will find it in their best interest to leave the past behind and play their next matches as one-off knockouts instead of a continuation of a tournament they have so far dominated. Expect Shan Masood to do well with the bat along with Khushdil Shah, while Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Ilyas hold the fort with the ball.

Can the Sultans defeat their essential name twins to make the best of what appears to be their breakout season? Or will the Kings overcome their playoff jitters to get to their first PSL final? Find out on Saturday!