Needing to win almost every game to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Multan Sultans on Thursday began their Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six in Abu Dhabi with a 12-run win over second-placed Karachi Kings.

Batting first, Multan Sultans scored 176 runs for the loss of five wickets in the allotted twenty overs.

On a slow surface, Rilee Rossouw and Khushdil Shah made a pair of match-turning 40s to prop up the Kings after a brief stutter that led to them finishing with 176 for 5.

In reply, Karachi Kings scored 164 for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted twenty overs.

The Kings suffered an early blow as Sharjeel Khan was dismissed for four runs, while Martin Guptill and Najibullah Zadran were sent packing for 11 runs each.

Even Babar Azam's 85 runs could not help the Kings in their 177-run chase.

Imran Tahir secured two wickets, while Imran Khan was able to pick up three wickets.