Hunain stars in Kingsmen’s third straight win
This is the sixth successive defeat for Rawalpindiz which means that the newly-inducted franchise is now out of this event
By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: Hunain Shah produced a devastating opening spell to guide Hyderabad Kingsmen to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Rawalpindiz at the National Stadium on Thursday, securing their third consecutive win in the HBL PSL 11.
Kingsmen, who struggled in the early stages of the tournament, continued their remarkable resurgence by chasing down a modest target of 122 with 21 balls to spare. The victory was set up by a disciplined bowling performance that restricted the Rawalpindiz to 121-9 in their 20 overs.
Player of the Match Hunain Shah was the architect of the collapse, returning figures of 3-18. He dismantled the top order early, claiming the wickets of Daryl Mitchell (0) and Abdullah Fazal (11). Mohammad Ali provided excellent support with 3-21, including the crucial scalp of Rawalpindiz captain Mohammad Rizwan, who made 15 off 16 balls with three boundaries.
Rawalpindiz struggled for momentum throughout their innings, managing only 24 runs in the powerplay for the loss of three wickets. Sam Billings offered some resistance with a 22-ball 26, featuring a four and the innings’ only six, but the visitors lacked any significant partnerships. Yasir Khan’s 24 off 30 balls was the only other notable contribution as Kingsmen bowlers, including Glenn Maxwell (1-6) and Saim Ayub (0-14 in four overs), maintained a tight grip.
In reply, Kingsmen’s chase faced early tremors as they slipped to 29-3 within the powerplay. Asif Afridi (2-20) removed openers Maaz Sadaqat (4) and Saim Ayub (15), the latter having hit a four and a six. Captain Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship with an aggressive 32 off 21 balls, laced with six boundaries before falling leg-before to Saad Masood.
When Glenn Maxwell fell for a golden duck to Ben Sears, Kingsmen were 69-5, but Kusal Perera and Irfan Khan ensured there were no further stumbles. The pair shared an unbeaten 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket to seal the result. Irfan Khan struck 34 off 29 balls with three fours and a six while Perera remained unbeaten on 32 off 24 balls, hitting three boundaries and a maximum.
Summarised Scores:
Rawalpindiz: 121-9 in 20 overs (Sam Billings 26, Yasir Khan 24, Asif Afridi 15*; Hunain Shah 3-18, Mohammad Ali 3-21, Glenn Maxwell 1-6)
Hyderabad Kingsmen: 123-5 in 16.3 overs (Irfan Khan 34*, Kusal Perera 32*, Marnus Labuschagne 32; Asif Afridi 2-20, Ben Sears 1-28)
Result: Hyderabad Kingsmen won by five wickets.
