A blistering century by Sahibzada Farhan guided Multan Sultans to a remarkable victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen as they successfully chased down a daunting 226-run target in the eighth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing 226, the 2021 champions reached the target for the loss of four wickets with eight balls to spare, thanks to Farhan’s match-winning knock. The right-handed opener remained unbeaten on 106 off 57 deliveries, striking eight sixes and seven fours to anchor the innings.
Farhan was well-supported at the top by Steven Smith, who scored a quickfire 46 off 20 balls, and vice-captain Shan Masood, who contributed 29. Later, Farhan stitched an unbroken 37-run partnership with Arafat Minhas, who added a brisk 26 off just 11 deliveries to seal the victory.
For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Saim Ayub was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 43 runs in his four overs, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hassan Khan picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a formidable total of 225/5 to set a daunting 226-run target for Multan Sultans.
Opting to bat first, Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne saw his decision pay off as his side delivered a commanding batting performance, driven by aggressive stroke play and crucial partnerships.
The Kingsmen made a brisk start, with openers Saim Ayub and Maaz Sadaqat adding 59 runs in just five overs. Ayub was eventually dismissed for 27 off 20 balls, falling to Peter Siddle.
Sadaqat continued the onslaught, stitching short partnerships with Labuschagne and Usman Khan before being dismissed in the 10th over by Mohammad Nawaz. The 20-year-old top-scored with a blistering 62 off 26 deliveries, hitting five fours and five sixes.
Kingsmen suffered a brief setback when Usman Khan was dismissed for a quick cameo, leaving the side at 127/4 in 11.2 overs after falling to Mohammad Wasim Jr.
However, veteran Sharjeel Khan steadied the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls, laced with four sixes and three boundaries. He found support from Syed Saad Ali and Muhammad Irfan Khan, who contributed 23 and 22 not out, respectively, to push the total past the 220 mark.
For the Sultans, Mohammad Wasim Jr was the most effective bowler, claiming two wickets for 37 runs in his four overs. Nawaz, Siddle, and captain Ashton Turner picked up one wicket each.
Despite Kingsmen’s strong batting display, Farhan’s commanding innings ensured Multan Sultans completed one of the highest successful run chases of the season.