Hyderabad Kingsmen kept their dream run alive in PSL 11 on Wednesday. They defeated Multan Sultans by eight wickets in Eliminator 1 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Consequently, Hyderabad Kingsmen knock out Multan Sultans to book a place in the next knockout clash. They will now face Islamabad United in Eliminator 2. A spot in the final is up for grabs. Chasing 160, Hyderabad made light work of the target. They crossed the line with 28 balls to spare.

The Kingsmen suffered an early setback. Captain Marnus Labuschagne fell for 11 with just 18 runs on the board. However, that was as good as it got for Multan. Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat then took control of the chase. They built a brilliant 92-run partnership for the second wicket. This partnership completely shifted the game in Hyderabad’s favor. Usman played the more aggressive hand, hammering 64 off 35 balls with eight fours and three sixes. Sadaqat remained unbeaten on 64 off 33 deliveries. Therefore, Hyderabad Kingsmen knock out Multan Sultans with a commanding batting display.

Earlier, Multan Sultans struggled to build momentum after being put in to bat. Steve Smith fell cheaply for 13 in the third over. The innings never fully recovered from there. Shan Masood was the lone bright spot for the Sultans. The left-hander held the innings together with an unbeaten 69 off 46 balls. Nevertheless, Multan could only manage 159 for 9 in their 20 overs. Hyderabad’s bowling unit delivered as a group. Mohammad Ali, Hunain Shah, and Akif Javed claimed two wickets each. Glenn Maxwell and Saim Ayub also picked up one wicket apiece.

After squeezing into the playoffs, Hyderabad have now taken another major step forward. They will head into Eliminator 2 with momentum firmly on their side.