Hyderabad Kingsmen registered their inaugural victory in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 with a dramatic four-wicket triumph over Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday. Pursuing a challenging target of 189 runs, the Kingsmen displayed determination and composure, sealing the win in the final over thanks to a crucial late partnership between Muhammad Irfan Khan and Hassan Khan.
This victory represents a major turnaround for the debutant team, who had previously endured four straight losses in the tournament. Hyderabad began their chase strongly, with captain Marnus Labuschagne blasting a rapid 26 runs off just 10 balls before his dismissal. Following this, Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat maintained the momentum through an aggressive 60-run partnership, positioning the Kingsmen well in the contest.
Maaz Sadaqat emerged as the top scorer with a brisk 37, while Usman contributed a fiery 27. However, a sudden collapse saw Hyderabad lose several wickets quickly, sliding to 112 for 5 and allowing Karachi to regain control of the match. Under increasing pressure, Muhammad Irfan Khan took charge, first building a steady partnership with Kusal Perera and then joining forces with Hassan Khan for an unbeaten 50-run stand that ultimately secured the win.
Hassan Khan played a pivotal role, smashing 33 runs off just 16 balls, while Irfan remained not out on 29, guiding the Kingsmen to a memorable victory. For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi was the standout bowler, claiming two wickets, while Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Adam Zampa, and Salman Ali Agha each took one wicket.
Earlier, Karachi Kings posted a competitive total of 188 for 8 after being put into bat. Their innings started with an early wicket, but Salman Ali Agha and Muhammad Waseem steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Saad Baig and Azam Khan then contributed valuable runs during the middle overs, laying a solid foundation. Baig impressed with a composed half-century, scoring 53 before retiring out.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Moeen Ali delivered a blistering cameo, smashing 44 runs off just 16 balls, propelling Karachi to a formidable total. For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Hunain Shah was the leading bowler, taking three important wickets, while Mohammad Ali supported with two wickets.
Ultimately, Hyderabad’s resilience with the bat proved decisive, as they clinched their first-ever PSL victory in style, marking a significant milestone in their debut season.
