Maaz Sadaqat Blazes 64 as Hyderabad Kingsmen Storm into PSL Playoffs

Key facts

• Hyderabad Kingsmen beat Multan Sultans by eight wickets in Eliminator 1 of PSL 2026.
• Maaz Sadaqat scored an unbeaten 64 off 33 balls; Usman Khan also made 64 off 35.
• Multan Sultans were restricted to 159-9; Shan Masood top-scored with 69 not out.
• Hyderabad won in 15.2 overs, reaching 162-2.
• The team started its debut season with four straight losses before winning five of six league games.
• Fans returned to stadiums after PM Shehbaz Sharif approved attendance for the remaining playoff games.
• Hyderabad will face Islamabad United on Friday; the winner meets Peshawar Zalmi in Sunday's final.

A Remarkable Turnaround in Lahore

Hyderabad Kingsmen completed a stunning eight-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League playoffs on Wednesday, continuing a resurgence that has defined their debut season. The win, played before thousands of fans at Gaddafi Stadium, sets up a Friday showdown with three-time champion Islamabad United for a spot in Sunday's final. Hyderabad, led by Australian captain Marnus Labuschagne, began the tournament with four consecutive losses before winning five of their last six league matches to qualify for the playoffs. The team's transformation has been one of the stories of the PSL season.

Sadaqat and Khan Power Chase

Chasing 160 for victory, Hyderabad openers Maaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan put on a dominant display. Sadaqat remained unbeaten on 64 off 33 balls, while Khan smashed 64 off 35 deliveries, including eight fours and three sixes. The pair guided their side to 162-2 in just 15.2 overs, securing the win with 28 balls to spare. Multan Sultans, after being put in to bat, posted 159-9. Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood anchored the innings with an unbeaten 69, but the rest of the batting lineup crumbled against Hyderabad's pace attack.

Pace Trio Dismantles Multan

Hyderabad's pace trio of Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali, and Hunain Shah claimed six wickets between them, supported by Saim Ayub and Glenn Maxwell, who each took one. The bowling unit consistently applied pressure, preventing Multan from building substantial partnerships beyond Masood's lone stand. Multan's innings never gained momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. The total of 159-9 proved insufficient against Hyderabad's explosive batting.

Fans Return After Government Approval

Wednesday's match marked a significant moment for the PSL as spectators were allowed back into stadiums for the first time this season. The Pakistan government had initially ordered the tournament to be played behind closed doors due to soaring fuel prices linked to the Iran war, urging citizens to restrict travel. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the return of fans for the remaining four playoff games just 24 hours before Tuesday's qualifier between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United. While Gaddafi Stadium did not reach full capacity, thousands of fans attended Wednesday's match, a notable increase from earlier closed-door games.

PCB and Franchise Owners Push for Crowds

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier stated it would not be appropriate to host 30,000 fans daily while the government asked the public to stay home. However, franchise owners lobbied for the return of spectators, and last week Sharif approved a request to open the doors for the final before extending permission to the remaining three playoff matches on Monday. The decision reflects the delicate balance between public safety concerns and the economic and cultural importance of cricket in Pakistan. The PSL is the country's premier domestic T20 event and a major source of revenue and national pride.

Road to the Final

Hyderabad Kingsmen will now face Islamabad United on Friday in Eliminator 2, with the winner advancing to Sunday's final against Peshawar Zalmi. Peshawar, led by Babar Azam, secured their spot by routing Islamabad by 70 runs in Tuesday's qualifier at Karachi, powered by Babar's second century of the season. For Hyderabad, a victory on Friday would cap a fairy-tale debut season. The team has already defied expectations by reaching the playoffs after a disastrous start, and now stands two wins away from the PSL title.

A Test of Resilience

The Kingsmen's journey from four straight losses to playoff contenders underscores the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. Their ability to adapt and execute under pressure has made them a formidable opponent. Friday's match against a seasoned Islamabad United side will test their mettle. Regardless of the outcome, Hyderabad's debut campaign has already left a mark on the PSL, demonstrating that resilience and strategic adjustments can turn a season around. The return of fans has added a new dimension to the playoffs, restoring some of the atmosphere that makes the tournament a highlight of Pakistan's sporting calendar.

The bottom line

• Hyderabad Kingsmen's eight-wicket win over Multan Sultans continues their remarkable recovery from four straight losses to start the PSL season.
• Maaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan both scored 64 runs, with Sadaqat remaining unbeaten, to chase down 160 in 15.2 overs.
• Multan Sultans were limited to 159-9, with Shan Masood's 69 the only substantial contribution.
• Fans returned to stadiums after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved attendance for the remaining playoff games.
• Hyderabad will face Islamabad United on Friday for a place in the final against Peshawar Zalmi.
• The PSL playoffs are being played amid a backdrop of fuel price hikes and government restrictions related to the Iran war.