Hyderabad Kingsmen thrash Multan Sultans to stay on course for PSL 11 final

Hyderabad Kingsmen delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Multan Sultans by eight wickets in Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League Season 11, keeping their title hopes alive while knocking the Sultans out of the tournament.

Chasing a modest 160-run target at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, the Kingsmen cruised to victory with 28 balls to spare, losing just two wickets. The emphatic win sets up a crucial Eliminator 2 clash against Islamabad United on Friday at the same venue.

The Kingsmen’s chase began on a shaky note when captain Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 11 in the second over with the score at 18. However, the early setback proved inconsequential as Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat took control of the innings with a dominant 92-run partnership for the second wicket.

Usman led the charge with an aggressive approach, smashing a blistering 64 off 35 deliveries, including eight fours and three sixes, before being dismissed by Steve Smith in the 11th over.

Sadaqat, meanwhile, anchored the innings with equal authority. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 64 off 35 balls, hitting eight boundaries and three sixes. He was joined by Saim Ayub, who contributed a steady 15 not out, as the duo calmly guided the Kingsmen to victory in the 16th over.

For the Sultans, Mohammad Ismail and Steve Smith claimed a wicket each, but their efforts were insufficient to defend the total.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, Multan Sultans posted 159/9 in their allotted 20 overs, largely thanks to a fighting knock from Shan Masood.

The Sultans endured a difficult start, losing Steve Smith (13) early to Mohammad Ali. Further blows followed as Akif Javed dismissed Sahibzada Farhan (15), while Hunain Shah removed Josh Philippe (6), reducing them to 36/3 during the powerplay.

Captain Ashton Turner fell cheaply for nine, dismissed by Saim Ayub, while Glenn Maxwell struck immediately to remove Arafat Minhas, leaving the Sultans struggling at 52/5.

Amid the collapse, Masood stood tall and stitched together a crucial 33-run stand with Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 19. However, regular wickets at the other end kept the pressure on.

Masood carried his bat through the innings, registering an unbeaten 69 off 46 balls, decorated with four fours and four sixes, to help his side reach a respectable total.

For the Kingsmen, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali and Akif Javed picked up two wickets each, while Glenn Maxwell and Saim Ayub contributed with one apiece.

With this comprehensive victory, Hyderabad Kingsmen move one step closer to the PSL 11 final, while Multan Sultans’ campaign comes to an end after a hard-fought season.