Hyderabad Kingsmen March On with Clinical Win Over Sultans

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen produced a clinical all-round display to defeat Multan Sultans by eight wickets in Eliminator 1 of the Pakistan Super League at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, knocking the former finalists out of the tournament.

The result sends the Kingsmen into Eliminator 2, where they will face Islamabad United for a place in the final.

Chasing a modest target of 160, Hyderabad completed the task with ease, reaching the total in just 16 overs with 28 balls to spare. The foundation of the chase was laid by a commanding second-wicket partnership between Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat.

The Kingsmen had an early setback when captain Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 11 in the second over. However, Usman and Sadaqat quickly took control, adding 92 runs to put their side in a dominant position.

Usman led the charge with an aggressive 64 off 35 deliveries, striking eight fours and three sixes before being dismissed in the 11th over. Sadaqat, equally impressive, remained unbeaten on 64 from 33 balls, anchoring the chase with composure.

Following Usman’s departure, Sadaqat found support in Saim Ayub, who contributed an unbeaten 15 as the pair guided Hyderabad home without further trouble.

Earlier, Multan Sultans struggled to build momentum after being put in to bat, eventually posting 159 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Shan Masood was the lone bright spot, finishing unbeaten on 69 off 46 deliveries.

The Sultans’ innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of Steve Smith. The pressure intensified as Sahibzada Farhan and Josh Philippe also fell inside the powerplay, reducing them to 36 for 3.

Captain Ashton Turner failed to stabilize the innings, while further blows followed with the dismissals of Arafat Minhas and others, leaving the batting side under severe pressure.

Masood attempted to rebuild with Mohammad Nawaz, adding a brief partnership, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Despite his resistance, the Sultans were unable to post a challenging total.

Hyderabad’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali and Akif Javed claiming two wickets each. Glenn Maxwell and Saim Ayub chipped in with one apiece.

In the end, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s balanced effort with both bat and ball proved decisive, comfortably outplaying Multan Sultans in this knockout encounter.