Hyderabad Kingsmen delivered a dominant all-round performance to eliminate Multan Sultans with an emphatic eight-wicket win, chasing down 160 with 28 balls to spare in a PSL 2026 playoff clash.
Kingsmen Bowlers Dismantle Sultans
Multan Sultans never found rhythm after being put under pressure early. Mohammad Ali struck the first blow, and the Kingsmen’s pace trio — Ali, Akif Javed, and Hunain Shah — tightened their grip on the innings.
In a decisive phase, Hyderabad ripped through half the side for just 24 runs in 26 balls, leaving Multan reeling. Akif Javed returned figures of 2 for 30, while Hunain Shah picked up 2 for 31, ensuring the Sultans struggled to build partnerships.
Masood Fights Lone Battle
Amid the collapse, Shan Masood stood tall with a superb unbeaten 69. Displaying control and timing, he anchored the innings and accelerated late, scoring the bulk of the runs in the final overs.
Masood’s late flourish saw Multan add 56 runs in the last five overs, but the total of 159 for 9 still proved to be their lowest of the season and insufficient against a confident Kingsmen side.
Sadaqat and Usman Dominate Chase
Chasing 160, Hyderabad lost Marnus Labuschagne early, but Maaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan quickly took control of the innings. The pair counterattacked aggressively, particularly in the Powerplay, where they punished the bowling attack to bring the target within reach.
Usman Khan smashed a rapid 64 off 35 balls, including a flurry of boundaries that broke the back of the chase. He reached his half-century in just 29 balls before falling late in the innings.
Sadaqat complemented him perfectly, scoring an unbeaten 64 and bringing up his fifty off just 25 deliveries. Their partnership ensured there were no further hiccups as Hyderabad cruised to victory.
Clinical Finish Secures Next Clash
Hyderabad Kingsmen finished on 162 for 2 in just 15.2 overs, underlining their dominance in both departments. The ease of the chase highlighted the gap between the two sides on the day.
With this victory, the Kingsmen advance to Eliminator 2, where they will face Islamabad United for a place in the final against Peshawar Zalmi.
