Hyderabad Kingsmen knock out Multan Sultans to keep PSL 11 dream alive

LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen continued their fairytale run in the 2026 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11), defeating Multan Sultans by eight wickets in Eliminator 1 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a modest target of 160 in a high-stakes knockout clash, Hyderabad displayed remarkable composure and intent, cruising to victory with 28 balls to spare. The emphatic win not only ended Multan’s campaign but also propelled the Kingsmen into Eliminator 2, where they will face Islamabad United for a place in the final.

Hyderabad’s chase began on a shaky note as skipper Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 11 with just 18 runs on the board. However, that early breakthrough proved to be the only highlight for Multan as Hyderabad’s middle order took complete control.

Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat stitched together a match-defining 92-run partnership for the second wicket, dismantling Multan’s bowling attack with aggressive stroke play and smart rotation.

Usman led the charge with a blistering 64 off 35 deliveries, smashing eight fours and three sixes before falling late in the innings. Sadaqat matched his intensity, remaining unbeaten on 64 off just 33 balls, including four boundaries and four maximums. Saim Ayub added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 15 as Hyderabad sealed the chase comfortably in the 16th over.

Earlier, Multan Sultans failed to build momentum after being put in to bat. Steve Smith was dismissed early for 13, triggering a collapse that saw key players—including Sahibzada Farhan, Josh Philippe, Ashton Turner, and Arafat Minhas—fall cheaply.

Captain Shan Masood stood tall amid the collapse, anchoring the innings with a resilient unbeaten 69 off 46 balls, laced with four fours and four sixes. Mohammad Nawaz provided brief support with 19, but Multan could only post 159/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Hyderabad’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with Mohammad Ali, Hunain Shah, and Akif Javed claiming two wickets each. Glenn Maxwell and Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket apiece to keep the pressure firmly on Multan throughout the innings.

Having narrowly secured a playoff spot, Hyderabad Kingsmen are now riding a wave of momentum as they prepare for a crucial Eliminator 2 clash. With confidence soaring and their batting unit firing, the tournament’s new entrants are just one win away from a remarkable berth in the PSL 11 final.