PSL 11: Hyderabad Kingsmen set 226-run target for Multan Sultans

Lahore (Web Desk): Hyderabad Kingsmen produced an emphatic batting display to post a massive 225/5 and set Multan Sultans a challenging 226-run chase in the 8th fixture of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, skipper Marnus Labuschagne saw his decision pay off as his side piled up a formidable total in their 20 overs.

The Kingsmen made an aggressive start, with openers Saim Ayub and Maaz Sadaqat racing to 59 runs inside the first five overs. The opening stand was broken when Saim fell to Peter Siddle, who caught and bowled him after a brisk 27 off 20 balls that featured three fours and a six.

Maaz kept up the attacking tempo and briefly combined with Labuschagne and Usman Khan before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz in the 10th over. The young batter emerged as the standout performer, hammering 62 from just 26 deliveries, striking five sixes and five fours.

Usman’s innings also came to an end shortly after, as he was caught at deep fine leg by Shehzad Gull off Mohammad Wasim Jr, leaving the Kingsmen in a slightly vulnerable position at 127/4 in 11.2 overs.

Following that brief setback, Sharjeel Khan steadied the innings and then accelerated in the latter stages, finishing unbeaten on 51 from 26 balls, including four sixes and three fours.

He was well supported by Syed Saad Ali and Muhammad Irfan Khan, who chipped in with useful late contributions of 23 and 22 not out, helping their side surge past the 220 mark.

For Multan Sultans, Mohammad Wasim Jr was the most successful bowler with two wickets for 37 runs in his four overs, while Nawaz, Siddle and captain Ashton Turner claimed one wicket each.