Defending champions Multan Sultans have thrashed Karachi Kings in the opening match of Pakistan Super League season 7 at Karachi.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Imran Tahir shined the brightest as they helped their team sail to a seven-wicket victory against Karachi Kings.

Rizwan played a captain's knock as he hammered 52 off 47 balls, while Tahir gave his side the opening wicket and also took a total of three crucial scalps Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Tom Lammonby — after they won the toss and put Karachi to bat.

The Kings' bowlers could not perform up to the mark as they were already under pressure as the Babar Azam-led side had handed a meager 124-run target to the Sultans, which they completed in 18.2 overs at the loss of three wickets.

Mohammad Nabi took two wickets and Mohammad Ilyas took one for the Kings.

Playing XI
Karachi Kings: Babar Azam (c), Sharjeel Khan, Joe Clarke (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Tom Lammonby, Lewis George, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Taha, Umaid Asif, Mohammad Ilyas

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Shan Masood, Sohaib Maqsood, Rilee Rossouw, Tim David, Khushdil Shah, David Willey, Imran Tahir, Imran Khan sr, Shahnawaz Dahani, Ihsanullah