Summary Hyderabad Kingsmen set a 187-run target for Islamabad United after Usman Khan’s unbeaten 61 in PSL 11 Eliminator 2 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a competitive total of 186 for five against Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League Season 11 Eliminator 2 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Islamabad United made early inroads but were later pushed on the back foot by a strong recovery from the Kingsmen’s middle order. The winner of the fixture will advance to Sunday’s final against Peshawar Zalmi, while the losing side will bow out of the tournament.
The Kingsmen endured a difficult start to their innings when Richard Gleeson removed opener Maaz Sadaqat for a four-ball duck in the opening over, leaving the side at just one run. The early breakthrough handed Islamabad momentum, but a composed partnership between Saim Ayub and captain Marnus Labuschagne stabilised the innings.
Ayub and Labuschagne added 70 runs for the second wicket, carefully rebuilding after the initial setback. Ayub struck 38 off 27 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries before falling to Chris Green in the 10th over. Labuschagne, who has been a consistent performer for the Kingsmen in their debut season, followed soon after, scoring 39 off 32 balls, including four fours and a six.
The innings suffered another setback in the 12th over when Imad Wasim struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, who managed only three runs. At 85 for four, Islamabad United appeared to have regained control, with the Kingsmen struggling to maintain momentum heading into the final phase.
However, a decisive turnaround came through a commanding fifth-wicket partnership between wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan and Kusal Perera. The duo added 101 runs, shifting the balance of the match and propelling the Kingsmen to a formidable total.
Usman anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off just 30 deliveries, laced with 10 boundaries, maintaining a brisk scoring rate under pressure. Perera complemented him effectively, contributing 37 runs from 21 balls, including four fours and two sixes, as the pair capitalised on the final overs.
Their partnership not only rescued the innings from a precarious position but also ensured the Kingsmen crossed the 180-run mark, setting a challenging target of 187 for Islamabad United.
For Islamabad, Imad Wasim was the standout performer with the ball, claiming two wickets for 16 runs in his two overs. Gleeson, Green and Faheem Ashraf chipped in with one wicket each, but the late onslaught from Usman and Perera limited their overall impact.
