PSL 11: Usman Khan century seals Kingsmen chase

KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen pulled off one of the standout chases of PSL 11 as Usman Khan’s record fourth century powered them to a four-wicket win over Multan Sultans in the 33rd match at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing 214, the Kingsmen reached the target with three balls to spare, recovering from early setbacks through Usman’s explosive 101 off 47 deliveries, which included 10 sixes and five fours.

Early collapse and counterattack

The chase began poorly for Hyderabad Kingsmen when Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed for seven in the second over with just 13 runs on the board. The situation worsened as Saim Ayub scored five off 10 before falling to Ismail, who struck again immediately to remove Kusal Perera for a golden duck, leaving the side at 48/3.

Marnus Labuschagne attempted to stabilise the innings, adding 34 runs for the second wicket, but it was Usman’s arrival at No.5 that shifted the momentum. Given a life on the first ball when Sultans did not appeal for a caught-behind chance, he capitalised fully.

Defining partnership and late twist

Usman and Labuschagne combined for a decisive 123-run stand for the fourth wicket, with both bringing up half-centuries. Labuschagne struck 61 off 41 balls, hitting nine fours, before Peter Siddle ended the partnership in the 16th over.

Usman maintained the tempo and reached his century on the final ball of the 17th over, bowled by Mohammad Wasim Jr. However, the contest swung again in the 18th over when Siddle dismissed Glenn Maxwell for two and then removed Usman in quick succession.

With 26 needed off the final two overs, the chase remained in the balance before Hassan Khan’s rapid 24 ensured the Kingsmen crossed the line with three balls remaining.

Siddle and Ismail claimed three wickets each for Multan Sultans, while the rest of the attack went wicketless.

Sultans’ strong start sets up contest

Earlier, Multan Sultans posted 213/7 after being asked to bat first by Kingsmen captain Labuschagne. The decision initially backfired as Smith and Farhan dominated the innings with a 132-run opening partnership.

Farhan made 66 off 43 deliveries, including fours and four sixes, before Glenn Maxwell broke the stand in the 13th over.

Smith then continued the assault alongside Josh Philippe, highlighted by a 28-run over off Hunain Shah during which he brought up his maiden PSL century with a six. He top-scored with 106 off 50 balls, hitting 12 fours and six sixes, before being dismissed by Hassan Khan in the 17th over.

The Sultans lost further momentum when Shan Masood was bowled by Mohammad Ali on the first ball of the next over, slipping to 188/3. Philippe added 19, while Mohammad Imran remained unbeaten on nine as Kingsmen bowlers took four wickets in the final two overs to restrict the total.

Akif Javed led the bowling effort with figures of 3 for 30 in three overs, while Mohammad Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Hassan Khan and Hunain Shah took one wicket each.

Match context and impact

Usman Khan’s innings proved decisive in a game shaped by two contrasting phases. Multan Sultans’ dominant start and Smith’s century set up a commanding total, but the Kingsmen’s recovery from 48/3, driven by Usman’s counterattack, ultimately overturned that advantage. The result reinforces Hyderabad Kingsmen’s ability to chase high totals under pressure in PSL 11.

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