Hyderabad Kingsmen stormed into the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 with a commanding 108-run victory over Rawalpindiz at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Sunday, a result that also knocked Lahore Qalandars out of the tournament.
According to 24NewsHD TV, Kingsmen delivered a clinical all-round performance to outclass their opponents and secure qualification for the knockout stage.
In reply, Rawalpindiz struggled to keep pace with the required run rate despite a fighting 66 from Usman Khawaja. Mohammad Rizwan added 26, while Sam Billings chipped in with 23, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to deliver.
Kingsmen’s bowling attack proved decisive, with Akif Javed claiming three wickets and Hunain Shah leading the charge with four dismissals.
Glenn Maxwell and Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket each to wrap up the emphatic win.
The result confirmed Hyderabad Kingsmen’s place in the playoffs, while Lahore Qalandars were eliminated after falling short in the qualification race.
After winning the toss, Rawalpindiz opted to field first, a decision that proved costly as Kingsmen posted an imposing 244 for six in their allotted 20 overs.
Glenn Maxwell led the charge with a blistering 70 off 37 deliveries, anchoring a strong batting performance.
Usman Khan contributed 54, while Kusal Perera added a fluent 50.
Kingsmen need a decisive victory to qualify.
If they manage to restrict Rawalpindiz to below 158, they will secure a playoff berth.
Otherwise, Lahore Qalandars will advance to the knockout stage.
Playing XIs
Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali and Akif Javed.
RawalPindiz: Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Shahzaib Khan, Usman Khawaja, Kamran Ghulam, Sam Billings, Dian Forrester, Saad Masood, Amad Butt, Asif Afridi, Ben Sears and Mohammad Amir.