Usman Khan’s record-breaking ton powers Hyderabad to historic chase against Multan
Usman Khan’s record-breaking ton powers Hyderabad to historic chase against Multan
By Nawaz Gohar ; In what will be remembered as one of the greatest run-chases in HBL PSL history, the Hyderabad Kingsmen pulled off a stunning four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans at the National Bank Stadium. A record-setting fourth PSL century by Usman Khan spearheaded a daunting pursuit of 214, leaving the Sultans shell-shocked in the 33rd match of the season.
The Kingsmen’s pursuit of 214 began on shaky ground. After losing Maaz Sadaqat early, a double-strike from Ismail reduced Hyderabad to a precarious 48-3, dismissing both Saim Ayub and Kusal Perera in consecutive deliveries.
Enter Usman Khan. Surviving a missed caught-behind opportunity on his very first ball, the wicketkeeper-batter unleashed a relentless assault on the Sultans’ bowling attack. Alongside captain Marnus Labuschagne, Usman orchestrated a match-defining 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket. While Labuschagne played a steady hand with a 41-ball 61, Usman was the primary aggressor, reaching his century in the 17th over with breathtaking power-hitting.
His blistering 101 came off just 47 balls, featuring five boundaries and a staggering 10 sixes. Although veteran Peter Siddle sparked a late scare by dismissing both Usman and Glenn Maxwell in a single over, Hassan Khan ensured the effort didn’t go to waste. Hassan’s cameo of 24 runs off just a few deliveries saw the Kingsmen cross the finish line with three balls to spare.
Earlier, the Multan Sultans seemed to have batted the Kingsmen out of the contest. Opening pair Smith and Farhan laid a colossal foundation with a 132-run stand. Farhan was the first to fall for a well-made 66, but Smith continued the carnage.
The highlight of the innings was Smith’s demolition of Hunain Shah, where he plundered 28 runs in a single over to bring up his maiden PSL century. Smith’s majestic 106 off 50 balls (12 fours, 6 sixes) looked set to carry Multan to a 230-plus total, but the Kingsmen’s bowlers staged a remarkable late comeback.
Despite the initial onslaught, Hyderabad’s bowlers clawed their way back in the final three overs. Akif Javed was the pick of the bowlers with 3-30, while Mohammad Ali and Hassan Khan picked up crucial wickets to restrict the Sultans to 213-7—a score that proved just short of enough against an inspired Usman Khan.
For the Sultans, Peter Siddle and Ismail finished with three wickets apiece, but they ultimately lacked the support to defend the mammoth total on a night dominated by the bat.
Match Summary ;
Multan Sultans: 213-7 (20 overs) | Smith 106, Farhan 66; Akif Javed 3-30.
Hyderabad Kingsmen: 217-6 (19.3 overs) | Usman Khan 101, Marnus Labuschagne 61; Peter Siddle 3-40.
Result: Hyderabad Kingsmen won by 4 wickets.
