The Hyderabad Kingsmen delivered a commanding performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 Eliminator 1 on Wednesday, defeating the Multan Sultans by eight wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The victory keeps the new entrants in the tournament and eliminates the Sultans from the title race.
Clinical Chase Led by Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat
Chasing a target of 160 runs, the Kingsmen reached the winning total with 28 balls to spare, losing only two wickets in the process. The foundation of the successful chase was a powerful 92-run partnership for the second wicket between Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat.
The Kingsmen’s pursuit began poorly, losing captain Marnus Labuschagne for 11 runs in the second over. However, the in-form Usman Khan joined Sadaqat and took control of the innings. Usman was the aggressor, smashing 64 runs off just 35 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, before being dismissed by Steve Smith in the 11th over.
Maaz Sadaqat remained unbeaten on 64 off 35 deliveries, matching Usman’s strike rate with eight fours and three sixes. He was joined by Saim Ayub, who contributed a steady 15 not out, as the pair guided the team home in the 16th over. For the Sultans, Ismail and Smith took one wicket each.
Sultans’ Innings Stumbles After Early Wickets
Earlier, the Multan Sultans were put in to bat and managed to post 159 for 9 in their 20 overs. Their innings was marred by a shaky start, losing three wickets inside the batting powerplay. Openers Steve Smith (13) and Sahibzada Farhan (15) fell cheaply, followed by Josh Philippe (6).
Captain Ashton Turner (9) and deputy Shan Masood attempted to rebuild, but Turner’s dismissal in the seventh over left the Sultans struggling at 52 for 5. Masood, however, anchored the innings with a resilient knock, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 46 balls, featuring four sixes and four fours.
Despite his efforts, the Kingsmen’s disciplined bowling attack kept the Sultans in check. The pace trio of Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Akif Javed each took two wickets, while spinners Glenn Maxwell and Saim Ayub chipped in with one apiece.
Road to the Final
With this victory, the Hyderabad Kingsmen advance to the Eliminator 2, where they will face the three-time champions Islamabad United on Friday at the same venue. The winner of that match will secure a spot in the PSL 11 final, keeping the Kingsmen’s dream debut season alive.
