Hyderabad Kingsmen pulled off a remarkable chase of 214 to defeat Multan Sultans by four wickets in a high-scoring Pakistan Super League encounter, where centuries from Usman Khan and Steve Smith headlined an extraordinary contest.
Multan Sultans posted 213 for 7, powered by a superb maiden PSL century from Steve Smith, who struck 106, with support from Farhan’s 66. However, their effort was eclipsed by a sensational counterattack led by Usman Khan, whose blistering 101 guided the Kingsmen to 214 for 6.
Usman’s Counterattack Defines the Chase
The match ultimately turned into a battle between two centurions, with Usman’s 44-ball hundred proving decisive against Smith’s 47-ball effort. His innings, featuring a season-high 10 sixes, came after a crucial early reprieve when a non-review allowed him to survive on the very first ball he faced.
Capitalising fully, Usman went on to dominate the Sultans’ attack, sharing a key partnership with captain Marnus Labuschagne, who contributed a valuable 61 off 41 balls. Together, they laid the platform for what became one of the most successful chases of the season.
Late Drama Turns the Game Again
Despite Usman’s brilliance, the contest swung back in Multan’s favour after his dismissal. A brilliant 18th over from Peter Siddle left Kingsmen needing 32 runs from 13 balls with limited wickets in hand.
However, Irfan Khan and Hassan Khan responded under pressure. The closing stages saw a flurry of boundaries, including multiple sixes that tilted the equation back towards the chasing side.
Hassan Khan sealed the victory in style, launching a six off the third ball of the final over to complete the chase and lift Kingsmen into the playoff positions.
Smith’s Century Sets the Tone
Earlier, Multan Sultans appeared in control for much of the game, thanks to a commanding innings from Steve Smith. His century came in dominant fashion, highlighted by a punishing over against Hunain Shah that yielded 28 runs, including a sequence of boundary hits.
Smith reached his hundred with a towering six, having already imposed himself on the bowling attack. His knock anchored the innings, though the Sultans lost momentum slightly towards the end, managing only 28 runs from the final 21 deliveries.
Late wickets from Akif Javed and Hunain Shah helped keep the target within reach for Kingsmen.
Early Strikes Keep the Contest Alive
The chase began with early setbacks for Kingsmen, as Mohammad Ismail struck in the powerplay to remove Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, and Kusal Perera, putting the batting side under immediate pressure.
However, Usman’s innings shifted the momentum entirely, allowing Kingsmen to stay in contention before the late-order hitters finished the job.
Labuschagne Reflects on a Special Contest
“I don’t have too many words for that,” Marnus Labuschagne said after the match.
“That whole game was pretty special. We saw two hundreds, firstly from Steve (Smith); that was a captain’s nightmare.
“Then for Usman to come out, especially with the tournament he’s had, which hasn’t been perfect, and play with that confidence and clarity was just special.
“He sort of said (to me), ‘I think I need a couple of games off.’ And I said, ‘You aren’t getting a couple of games off, mate. I know how good you are.'”
