Hyderabad Kingsmen kept their title hopes alive in Pakistan Super League Season 11 with a commanding win over Multan Sultans.
A strong all-round performance saw them cruise to victory in Eliminator 1.
Chasing a target of 160, Hyderabad Kingsmen reached the total with ease, losing just two wickets and finishing the match with 28 balls to spare.
The highlight of the chase was a crucial second-wicket partnership between Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat, which turned the game decisively in their favour.
Strong recovery
Kingsmen had a shaky start as captain Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 11 in the second over.
However, Usman and Sadaqat steadied the innings with a dominant 92-run stand for the second wicket.
Usman, Sadaqat lead charge
Usman Khan led the charge with a blistering 64 off 35 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Steve Smith.
Sadaqat matched the effort, remaining unbeaten on 64 off 35 deliveries, while Saim Ayub contributed 15 not out to guide the team home in the 16th over.
Sultans struggle despite Masood’s fight
Earlier, Multan Sultans posted 159/9 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat.
The innings saw early setbacks, with wickets falling regularly during the powerplay, leaving the team under pressure.
Shan Masood stood firm amid the collapse, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 46 balls, including four fours and four sixes.
He built a brief partnership with Mohammad Nawaz, who added 19 runs, but lacked consistent support from the other end.
Hyderabad’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
The pace trio of Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Akif Javed picked up two wickets each.
Spinners Glenn Maxwell and Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket apiece.
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