LAHORE: The Hyderabad Kingsmen produced a commanding performance in Match 42 – Eliminator 1 of the HBL Pakistan Super League 11, dismantling Multan Sultans by eight wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a modest target of 160, Hyderabad’s batting unit fired on all cylinders, racing to victory in just 15.2 overs and booking their place in the second eliminator against Islamabad United on May 1. Earlier in the evening, the Hyderabad captain opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Multan’s innings never truly found momentum, collapsing to 159/9 in 20 overs. And in reply Hyderabad achieved 162 for two in 15.2 overs.
The Sultans’ top order faltered under pressure. Steve Smith (13) and Sahibzada Farhan (15) both fell cheaply, while Josh Philippe (6) was dismissed after a failed review. Captain Ashton Turner (9) and youngster Arafat Minhas (1) followed in quick succession, leaving Multan reeling at 52/5 inside seven overs.
The lone resistance came from Shan Masood, who played a captain’s knock of 69 not out off 46 balls, his first fifty of PSL 2026 and 30th in T20 cricket. Masood’s innings was a blend of patience and aggression, featuring four boundaries and four sixes. He shepherded the lower order and ensured Multan crossed the 150-run mark, but with little support around him, the total looked underwhelming.
Hyderabad’s bowlers were disciplined throughout. Mohammad Ali (2/34), Akif Javed (2/30), and Hunain Shah (2/31) shared the spoils, while Saim Ayub and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a wicket apiece. Their combined effort restricted Multan to a below-par score on a batting-friendly surface.
If Multan’s innings was defined by struggle, Hyderabad’s chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Despite losing Marnus Labuschagne (11) early, the Kingsmen stormed through the powerplay, reaching 67/1 in six overs.
The second-wicket partnership between Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat proved decisive. The duo stitched together a blistering stand of 102 runs off just 52 balls, dismantling Multan’s bowling attack with ease.
Usman Khan continued his rich vein of form, smashing 64 off 35 balls with eight fours and three sixes. He reached his 12th career T20 fifty in just 29 balls, his second of PSL 2026, showcasing his ability to dominate in high-pressure games.
At the other end, Maaz Sadaqat was equally destructive, racing to his eighth T20 fifty in just 25 balls. His unbeaten 64 off 33 deliveries included five boundaries and four towering sixes, reflecting his growing stature as a reliable match-winner. Together, the pair ensured Hyderabad’s chase was never in doubt.
After Usman’s dismissal at 120/2 in the 11th over, Saim Ayub (15 not out) joined Maaz to calmly finish the job. The Kingsmen crossed the target in the 16th over, sealing a thumping victory with 28 balls to spare.
With this emphatic win, Hyderabad Kingsmen advance to the second eliminator, where they will face Islamabad United on May 1 at the same venue. The victor of that clash will earn the right to challenge Peshawar Zalmi in the grand final on May 3 (Sunday).
For Multan Sultans, the defeat marks a disappointing end to a campaign that had promised much during the league stage. Their inability to replicate consistent performances in knockout cricket once again proved costly.
