Hyderabad Kingsmen knock out Sultans, set up United clash

Hyderabad Kingsmen advanced in PSL 11 after eliminating Multan Sultans with a convincing win in Eliminator 1, securing their place in the next knockout fixture.

In the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) Eliminator 1 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Kingsmen produced a composed all-round performance to chase down 160 with eight wickets in hand and 28 balls remaining.

Their victory ends Multan Sultans’ campaign, while Hyderabad Kingsmen now move on to face Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 at the same venue on Friday.

Usman and Sadaqat take control of the chase

Chasing 160, Kingsmen lost captain Marnus Labuschagne early for 11 in the second over with 18 runs on the board.

However, the match shifted decisively when Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat combined for a dominant 92-run partnership for the second wicket. Usman led the charge, striking 64 off 35 deliveries with eight fours and three sixes before being dismissed by Steve Smith in the 11th over.

Sadaqat carried on and remained unbeaten on 64 off 33 balls, hitting four sixes and four fours. Alongside him, Saim Ayub added a steady unbeaten 15 off 15 deliveries as Kingsmen completed the chase in the 16th over.

Early collapse limits Sultans to 159

Earlier, Multan Sultans posted 159 for 9 after being put in to bat, with Shan Masood anchoring the innings.

Their start was disrupted early when Mohammad Ali removed Steve Smith for 13 in the third over. The pressure intensified as Akif Javed dismissed Sahibzada Farhan for 15 and Hunain Shah trapped Josh Philippe lbw for six, reducing Sultans to 36 for 3 inside the powerplay.

Ashton Turner and Masood attempted to stabilise the innings but could only add 15 runs before Saim Ayub dismissed Turner for nine. Glenn Maxwell then struck immediately, removing Arafat Minhas to leave Sultans struggling at 52 for 5.

Masood found brief support from Mohammad Nawaz, who made 19 off 18 balls in a 33-run stand before falling to Javed. The collapse continued with Mohammad Imran Randhawa dismissed for two by Ali and Peter Siddle bowled by Hunain Shah.

Masood stood firm throughout, finishing unbeaten on 69 off 46 deliveries, including four fours and four sixes, to push Sultans to a competitive total.

Kingsmen bowlers set the tone

The Kingsmen bowling effort was shared across the attack. Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali and Akif Javed claimed two wickets each, while Glenn Maxwell and Saim Ayub picked up one apiece.

That early control with the ball ensured Sultans never built sustained momentum, leaving their total within reach on a surface where Kingsmen later chased comfortably.

What this result means

Hyderabad Kingsmen’s victory not only ends Multan Sultans’ campaign but also keeps their own title hopes alive as they move into Eliminator 2 against Islamabad United on Friday.

With a dominant chase built around a decisive second-wicket stand and a disciplined bowling display, Kingsmen now carry momentum into the next knockout, where a place in the PSL 11 final will be on the line.

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