Related Articles
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 witnessed fireworks in just its opening match as England cricketer James Vince lit up the National Bank Stadium in Karachi with a sensational century for Multan Sultans. In a thrilling run-fest against Karachi Kings, Vince’s explosive 43-ball 101 proved pivotal in helping the Sultans chase down a mammoth 235-run target.
While Vince was deservingly named Player of the Match, he walked away with more than just a trophy. The England star also received a quirky prize – a hair dryer – awarded for being the “Most Reliable Player” of the contest. The unconventional award sparked amusement and admiration on social media, adding to the post-match buzz.
Table of content
Vince Powers Sultans to Memorable Win
Put in to chase a daunting 235-run total posted by Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans had their backs against the wall early on at 79/4. But Vince, showing class and composure, took charge of the innings. He found a perfect partner in Khushdil Shah, and together they scripted a sensational comeback.
The duo stitched a 142-run partnership for the fifth wicket, swinging the momentum in Sultans’ favor. Vince’s century – laced with fearless strokeplay – came off just 43 deliveries and included a barrage of boundaries and sixes that silenced the Karachi crowd.
“Quite a tough chase, but when we batted, we realised how nice a surface this was. Luckily, whenever we needed a boundary, we found it,” Vince said after the match. “The way Khushdil batted was also great.”
He particularly praised his partner Khushdil Shah, whose 37-ball 60 was instrumental in easing pressure during the death overs. “When the rate gets beyond 15-16, the game gets away from you at any stage. So the way Khushdil attacked CJ (Chris Jordan) when the rate was climbing was amazing,” Vince added.
Rizwan’s Century Goes in Vain
Earlier in the evening, Karachi Kings skipper Mohammad Rizwan produced a masterclass of his own, scoring a scintillating 105 off 63 balls, including nine fours and five sixes. With support from Shoaib Malik and Irfan Khan, the Kings ended with 234/3, which looked like a winning total until Vince’s blitzkrieg.
Despite Rizwan’s heroics, Karachi couldn’t defend their total. Their bowlers failed to contain Vince and Khushdil during the middle overs, and the fielding unit didn’t help either with a few missed opportunities.
Hair Dryer – The New MVP Trophy?
While the player-of-the-match prize is expected, Vince’s hair dryer award stole the spotlight. Meant as a symbolic recognition for being the “most reliable performer” – perhaps with a dash of humor – the unique prize trended online, with fans and former cricketers weighing in on the lighthearted gesture.
Whether Vince will use it or treasure it as a memento remains to be seen, but the internet surely loved the PSL’s creative reward system.
What’s Next?
With this emphatic win, Multan Sultans are off the mark with two points and currently sit third on the PSL 2025 points table. They next face Islamabad United on Wednesday in another high-stakes battle.
On the other hand, Karachi Kings, led by David Warner, will look to bounce back when they take on Lahore Qalandars on Tuesday. Despite the loss, Rizwan’s form will be a major positive heading into the next clash.
