Usman Khan’s Blazing Century Powers Kingsmen to Stunning 214 Chase
KARACHI: A sensational fourth PSL century from wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan powered Hyderabad Kingsmen to a remarkable four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in the 33rd match of PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a massive 214-run target, the Kingsmen completed the job with three balls remaining, thanks largely to Usman’s explosive innings.
The pursuit began on a shaky note as Maaz Sadaqat departed early with just 13 runs on the board. The situation worsened when Saim Ayub (5) and Kusal Perera (0) fell in quick succession, leaving the Kingsmen struggling at 48/3.
Usman then walked in and completely shifted the momentum. Despite an early reprieve, he launched a brutal counterattack and stitched together a match-defining 123-run stand with skipper Marnus Labuschagne. Both batters reached their fifties during the partnership, stabilizing the innings and putting the chase back on track.
Labuschagne was dismissed for a composed 61 off 41 balls, but Usman carried on relentlessly, bringing up a stunning century late in the innings. His knock of 101 from just 47 deliveries, featuring 10 sixes and five fours, proved to be the cornerstone of the chase.
Multan found a glimmer of hope when Peter Siddle struck twice in the 18th over, removing both Glenn Maxwell and Usman. However, Hassan Khan’s quickfire 24 ensured there were no further hiccups as the Kingsmen crossed the line comfortably.
For the Sultans, Siddle and Ismail claimed three wickets each but lacked support from the rest of the bowling unit.
Earlier, Multan Sultans posted an imposing 213/7 after being asked to bat first. Their innings was built on a dominant 132-run opening partnership between Steve Smith and Farhan, both of whom registered impressive half-centuries.
Farhan scored 66 off 43 balls before falling, while Smith went on to produce a magnificent innings, smashing 106 off 50 deliveries with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. His century included a particularly aggressive over where he plundered 28 runs.
After Smith’s dismissal, the Kingsmen bowlers managed to pull things back in the closing stages, picking up crucial wickets to prevent the total from going even higher.
Among the bowlers, Akif Javed stood out with three wickets, while Mohammad Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Hassan Khan, and Hunain Shah chipped in with one each.
In the end, it was Usman Khan’s extraordinary knock that defined the contest, sealing a memorable win for Hyderabad Kingsmen.
