KARACHI: Wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan’s record-setting fourth century helped Hyderabad Kingsmen chase down a 214-run target and beat Multan Sultans by four wickets in the nail biting 33rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
Set to chase a daunting target, the Kingsmen knocked the winning runs for the loss of six wickets and three balls to spare, courtesy of Usman’s wonderful century.
The Kingsmen got off to a dismal start as they lost Maaz Sadaqat (seven) in the second over with just 13 runs on the board.
Following the early stutter, Labuschagne knitted a one-sided 34-run partnership for the second wicket with Saim Ayub, who managed five off 10 before falling victim to Ismail, who struck again on his next delivery, dismissing Kusal Perera for a golden duck, to reduce the Kingsmen to 48/3.
The back-to-back dismissals paved the way for Usman to walk out and bat at No.5 and although he would have been caught behind on the first delivery had Sultans appealed, he turned the game on its head with belligerent hitting. Usman shared a 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Marnus Labuschagne, during which both batters brought up their half-centuries.
Experienced pacer Peter Siddle eventually broke the partnership in the 16th over by dismissing compatriot Labuschagne, who made 61 off 41 deliveries with the help of nine fours.
Meanwhile, Usman continued his onslaught and brought up his well-deserved century on the final delivery of the 17th over bowled by Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Siddle, however, caused a major stir in Kingsmen’s pursuit by dismissing Glenn Maxwell (two) and centurion Usman in the pulsating 18th over.
Usman remained the top-scorer for the Kingsmen with a quickfire 101 off just 47 deliveries, studded with 10 sixes and five fours. His strike rate was 212.89.
Following Usman’s dismissal, Kingsmen required a further 26 off 12 deliveries and Hassan Khan’s blazing 24-run cameo steered them over the line with three balls to spare.
For Sultans, Siddle and Ismail took three wickets each, while the rest went wicketless.
Earlier, Multan Sultans produced a commanding batting display to post a big total against Hyderabad Kingsmen, making full use of the decision to bat first. The Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne opted to field, but the move didn’t go as planned as Sultans piled up 214 for six in their 20 overs. The foundation of the innings was laid by Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan, who tore into the bowling attack with an aggressive opening stand. The duo added 132 runs for the first wicket, scoring freely with boundaries and sixes while both reached their half-centuries.
Farhan played a lively knock of 66 from 43 balls, striking five fours and four sixes before Glenn Maxwell broke the partnership in the 13th over, catching him at long-on.
Smith, however, continued the assault. Partnering with Josh Philippe, he kept the pressure on the Kingsmen bowlers and brought up his maiden PSL century in style, smashing a six during a 28-run over off Hunain Shah. He eventually departed for a brilliant 106 off 50 balls, hitting 12 fours and six sixes.
Multan suffered a brief wobble late in the innings. Shan Masood was dismissed early in the next over, and the Kingsmen bowlers made a strong comeback by taking four wickets in the final two overs to restrict the damage. Philippe added 19 runs while Mohammad Imran remained unbeaten on nine, but the Sultans couldn’t fully capitalise in the closing stages despite having wickets in hand.
Akif Javed led the fightback for Hyderabad with an impressive spell, picking up three wickets in the final over, including two off the last two balls. Mohammad Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Hassan Khan and Hunain Shah grabbed one wicket each.
