By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: A spectacular 47-ball century from Usman Khan propelled Hyderabad Kingsmen to a dramatic four-wicket victory over Multan Sultans on Wednesday, successfully chasing down a massive 214-run target with three balls to spare in a high-octane HBL PSL 11 game at the National Bank Stadium.
While Steven Smith’s masterclass century earlier in the evening seemed to have put Sultans in a commanding position, Usman Khan’s counter-attacking brilliance, which included ten towering sixes stole the headlines.
After being put in to bat, Multan Sultans posted a formidable 213-7, built on a blistering 132-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan and Steven Smith. The pair dismantled Kingsmen’s attack during powerplay, reaching 50 runs in just 5.5 overs.
Smith was the chief aggressor, racing to his fifty in 25 balls before accelerating to a 47-ball ton. His 106-run knock was decorated with 12 fours and six sixes. Farhan provided stellar support with 66 off 43 balls, including five sixes, before falling to Glenn Maxwell in the 13th over.
Despite a late-innings collapse, where Sultans lost four wickets for just nine runs in the final two overs, courtesy of Akif Javed’s 3-30, the total of 213 appeared defendable.
Kingsmen’s chase began precariously. Muhammad Ismail’s disciplined opening spell reduced Hyderabad to 48-3 within the powerplay, removing Maaz Sadaqat (7), Saim Ayub (5) and Kusal Perera (0) in quick succession.
However the match turned on a sensational 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket between captain Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khan. While Labuschagne played an anchor role with a steady 61 off 41 balls (9 fours), Usman went on a rampage. The wicketkeeper batsman reached his fifty in a mere 20 deliveries and his century in 44.
When Peter Siddle (3-39) removed both set batsmen and Glenn Maxwell in the space of two overs, Sultans sensed a comeback with the Kingsmen needing 32 from the final two overs.
The late drama belonged to Hassan Khan. Coming in at No8, Hassan struck a breathtaking 24 off just six balls. His cameo included three sixes and a four, at a staggering strike rate of 400 guiding Kingsmen past the finish line at 214-6 with three balls remaining.
With 32 required off 13 balls, Hassan opened his account with a six on the last ball of 18th over before Muhammad Irfan Khan pumped the first ball of Mohammad Wasim Jnr’s penultimate over for another six. Hassan then blew him apart with another six and a four taking 18 off it with Kingsmen needing eight off last over.
Hassan struck a six to seal the game on the third ball after the duo took a single each to begin the over. The win kept Kingsmen alive with eight points from as many matches while Multan Sultans have 12 points from nine matches.
Usman Khan was named Player of the Match for his 101, an innings that featured five fours to complement his 10 maximums.
Summarised scores
Multan Sultans: 213-7 in 20 overs: Steven Smith 106 (50), Sahibzada Farhan 66 (43), Akif Javed 3-30, Mohammad Ali 1-24; Hyderabad Kingsmen: 214-6 in 19.3 overs: Usman Khan 101 (47), Marnus Labuschagne 61 (41), Hassan Khan 24* (6)
Muhammad Ismail 3-41, Peter Siddle 3-39
Result: Hyderabad Kingsmen won by 4 wickets
Usman Khan (Man of the match)
