ISLAMABAD: Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, selected by the Karachi Kings in the draft, is set to make his eagerly awaited return to the squad for the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10.
Sources within the Karachi Kings’ camp, cited by the Cricket Pakistan website, have confirmed that Williamson is expected to arrive in Pakistan on either 23 or 24 April.
However, the right-handed batter has already missed the team’s opening fixture and is set to miss the next four matches of the tournament due to his ongoing commentary duties in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In his absence, Karachi Kings recently announced the signing of Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig as a temporary replacement.
Baig linked up with the squad during their clash against the Multan Sultans.
Nail-biting win
In other developments, Karachi Kings, now under the leadership of newly appointed captain David Warner, secured a nail-biting win in their opening game of the competition against Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium.
Chasing a daunting target of 235, the Kings got over the line with four wickets in hand, largely thanks to a blistering partnership between James Vince and Khushdil Shah.
Vince was the standout performer, hammering a scintillating 101 off just 43 deliveries, laced with 14 boundaries and four sixes.
His powerful innings were supported by a 142-run stand with Khushdil Shah, who smashed a rapid 60 off 38 balls, including five fours and four sixes.
Both batters, however, were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the Kings at 222/6 in 18.3 overs.
Nevertheless, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Abbas Afridi kept their composure, stitching together a vital seventh-wicket partnership and guiding the Kings home on the second ball of the final over.
Rizwan’s performance
Earlier, Multan Sultans had set a mammoth total of 234/3 from their allotted 20 overs.
Mohammad Rizwan was the star with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 105 off 63 deliveries, hitting nine fours and five sixes.
He was ably supported by Michael Bracewell, who smashed an unbeaten 44 off just 17 balls, featuring five boundaries and three maximums.
The duo shared a rapid 89-run stand from just 32 deliveries to lift the Sultans to a commanding total.
For context, Karachi Kings are set to play their second PSL fixture against two-time champions Lahore Qalandars today at the National Bank Cricket Stadium.
