Liam Livingstone, Babar Azam break PSL partnership record

Dubai [UAE]: A display of uninhibited hitting from Liam Livingstone and Babar Azam for Karachi Kings broke Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) highest partnership record with their opening stand of 157 against Multan Sultans.

The duo stitched 157 runs in 15.4 overs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday evening, surpassing the 153 runs put on by Shane Watson and Sharjeel Khan for Islamabad United against Qalandars in 2016.

Following the dismissal of the top order, Karachi collapsed as they lost six wickets in quick succession and ended up posting 183 for the loss of six.

Livingstone, the English batsman who had played only two T20Is in 2017, scored 82 off 43 balls, which included six sixes and as many boundaries.

Azam, ranked number one on the ICC rankings for batsmen, smashed 77 off 59 deliveries, comprising six fours and a six.

In spite of all the drama, Karachi registered a seven-run victory over Multan as Mohammad Amir picked up four wickets and restricted Multan on 176 for the loss of nine wickets.

Chasing the target, Multan’s Shoaib Malik blazed a 28-ball 52, while Laurie Evans scored 49 off 39 balls. However, Amir ripped through the middle order, dismissing the likes of Andre Russell, Shahid Afridi, and Hammad Azam, collecting four wickets and giving away only 25 runs.

Multan Sultans will next meet Islamabad United on February 15, while Karachi Kings will clash with Lahore Qalanders on February 16.

[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]