Joe Denly hits half-century as Karachi Kings get back to winning ways in PSL

Denzil Pinto 22:12 10/03/2018
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  • Letting the bat do the talking: Joe Denly

    Joe Denly admitted he was taken by surprise that Multan Sultans opted not to bat first after his half-century helped Karachi Kings boost their play-off hopes with a convincing 63-run victory in the Pakistan Super League on Saturday.

    Multan skipper Shoaib Malik decided to field first after winning the toss at Dubai International Stadium and his decision quickly backfired as Karachi piled on their highest score in this year’s competition – 188 for 3 .

    Denly propelled the innings with a 78-run knock off 55 deliveries, while Babar Azam’s 58 and a late Colin Ingram onslaught (29 from eight) added to the total.

    The result meant Karachi snapped their two-match losing streak. They are now placed second on nine points with three group games to play.

    Denly believes Malik made the wrong decision and his team took full advantage.

    “Yes I was surprised,” he said. “As a batter, I always say if it’s a good wicket, try and get the runs on the board and put them under pressure. I’m always encouraging my captain to bat first as there was some grass and a little bit surprised they didn’t bat first.”

    Denly was dropped by Ahmed Shehzad on zero and he made the tournament debutants pay big time.

    After Lendl Simmons departed for 4, Denly and Azam came together and took Multan Sultan bowlers apart with a 118-run stand for the second wicket – the highest stand in PSL this year.

    Denly led the assault by going on the attack with Junaid Khan, Imran Tahir and Hardus  Viljoen all on the receiving end of his big hitting. By the time his 78-run knock, that included 10 boundaries and two sixes, was stopped by Hardus Viljoen, Karachi were 139-2. They ended on 188-3.

    That target proved to be too much for Multan Sultans. Kumar Sangakkara and Shehzad gave them a good start with a 41-run opening stand but as soon as that was broken by Mohammad Irfan, Karachi took charge with the ball.

    Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan all took one scalp while Shahid Afridi (3-18) sealed the match.

    Playing in his second match after returning from injury, the Pakistan star rattled the Multan line-up, taking the wickets of big-hitters Keiron Pollard (3), Shoaib Malik (6) and Saif Badar (13).

    Sohail Tanvir frustrated Karachi with an unbeaten 34 but it was too little too late for the team who have now lost their last three matches.

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