Kingsmen set a 245-run target for Rawalpindiz in a must-win game
Kingsmen will need to restrict Rawalpindiz to 158 or less if they are to make a place in the playoffs
By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: Glenn Maxwell and Usman Khan fueled a clinical batting assault as Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a daunting 244-6 against Rawalpindiz on Sunday, setting the stage for a high-stakes finish to the HBL PSL 11 league stage competition.
While a victory is the primary objective for the Kingsmen at the National Stadium, the mathematical subtext of the encounter looms larger. To overhaul the net run rate requirements and secure a definitive spot in the playoffs, Hyderabad must not only win but restrict Rawalpindiz to 158 runs or fewer.
After being put in to bat, Kingsmen overcame the early loss of captain Marnus Labuschagne, who was bowled by Ben Sears for five in the second over. The setback proved momentary as Usman Khan took charge, smashing a rapid 54 off 26 balls, decorated with four boundaries and four towering sixes.
Rawalpindiz fightback was led briefly by Saad Masood, whose double-strike in the middle overs removed Usman and Irfan Khan in consecutive deliveries, threatening to derail the innings at 119-5.
However, the momentum shifted decisively during a blistering sixth-wicket partnership between Glenn Maxwell and Kusal Perera. Maxwell, the Australian veteran, regained his vintage form to strike 70 off just 37 balls, featuring eight boundaries and three sixes. Perera provided the anchor at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 50 off 30 deliveries.
A late cameo by Hassan Khan, who struck two sixes in a four-ball 16, pushed the total toward record territory as Rawalpindiz bowlers struggled under the pressure of a late over-rate penalty, forcing them to keep an extra fielder inside the circle for the final two overs.
Saad Masood was the pick of the Rawalpindiz attack, finishing with 2-34, while veterans Mohammad Amir and Amad Butt proved expensive, conceding 57 and 48 runs respectively.
Rawalpindiz now face a dual challenge: chasing a massive 245 for victory or, at the very least, reaching 159 to play the role of spoiler and terminate the Kingsmen’s playoff aspirations.
