Multan Sultans lose ‘Midas touch’, knocked out by Kingsmen

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) A century partnership for the second wicket between Maaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan helped Hyderabad Kingsmen overhaul a below-par total of 160 and knock Multan Sultans out of the PSL 11 with a victory in the Eliminator 1 at the Gaddafi stadium, here on Wednesday night.

Multan Sultans started the tournament on a high note and held top two positions for most part of the PSL 11. Sultans looked to play the final but they lost the Midas touch towards the closing part of their maiden campaign and were knocked out of the PSL 11 Hyderabad Kingsmen who had an indifferent start to the tournament as lost first four matches.

Multan Sultans captain Ashton Turner admitted the fact in the post-match ceremony, adding, "We lost a little bit of momentum over the last couple of games. We had won six out of eight games and were feeling good about how we were playing a complete game. The tide turned quickly on us and we have unfortunately ended our campaign with some of our worst cricket”. [On losing wickets in the powerplay] Turner, who had led Perth Scorcher to victory in BBL 2026 said, "The stats would suggest that if you lose that many wickets in the powerplay you rarely win. [Experience of PSL] I am disappointed with how it has finished but everyone in our dressing room generally had a smile on their face and we have had a great time. We have loved being here in Pakistan."

Chasing a total of 159-9 posted by Multan Sultans, unlike Sultans, Kingsmen had a quick tart to the innings but lost an early wicket in captain Marnus Labushgane 11 (9).

Maaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan 64 (35) notched a brilliant 102 runs partnership off 33 balls for the second wicket and took the game away from NCA.

Both batters hit identical half-centuries with Usman Khan hitting 64 (35) with eight boundaries while Maaz remained unbeaten on 64 (33) with four boundaries and as many 6s. He was adjudged Player of the Match (POTM) for his all-round performance.

Kingsmen overhauled the target with 28 balls to spare and booked the berth for the Eliminator 2 to be played on May 1 (Friday) at the same venue – the iconic Gaddafi stadium.

The Sultans had the worst start to the innings as they lost three top order wickets in the power-play but it was Shan Masood 69 (46) who saved the Sultans from blushes as wickets fell like autumn leaves around him. He hit four boundaries and as many 6s. Sahibzada Farhan 15 (12), Steven Smith 13 (10) and Muhammad Nawaz were the only batters to reach double figures.

The below-par score cost Sultans the contest which resulted in the unceremonious exit form the tourney.

Scores in brief:

Eliminator 1 – Hyderabad Kingsmen beat Multan Sultans by eight wickets at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Multan Sultans 159-9, 20 overs (Shan Masood 69 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 18; Akif Javed 2-30, Hunain Shah 2-31, Mohammad Ali 2-34)

Hyderabad Kingsmen 162-2, 15.2 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 64 not out, Usman Khan 64)

Player of the Match: Maaz Sadaqat (Hyderabad Kingsmen)