KARACHI: Rawalpindi captain Mohammad Rizwan admitted he felt bad for Lahore after Hyderabad Kingsmen comprehensively thrashed his side in the final league-level match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium.
Speaking in the post-match presentation, Rizwan reflected on the wider implications of the defeat, acknowledging its impact on other teams, while admitting that his team was unable to make an impact in the qualifying situation.
“We feel bad for Lahore, but we can’t do anything,” Rizwan said.
He admitted that Hyderabad were the better team on the day and fully deserved to make it to the playoffs.
“It’s disappointing how we lost. We were already out and luck was in their favor – they deserved the playoffs. It was a good batting pitch and for us, we focused on our own match rather than how the result would affect others,” he added.
Chasing a tough target of 245, the Rawalpindis were bowled out for 136 in 17.1 overs as the Kingsmen played disciplined and clinical bowling under pressure to claim victory by 108 runs.
The win fulfilled Hyderabad’s qualification requirements, which required not only a win but restricting their opponents to 158 or less to secure a place in the next round.
Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a superb total thanks to strong contributions from their top order.
Glenn Maxwell scored 70 off 37 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes. Gusal Perera remained unbeaten with 50 off 30 balls, while Usman Khan smashed a blistering 54 off 26 balls.
In response, the Rawalpindis struggled to build momentum. Usman Khawaja top-scored with an unbeaten 66 off 43 balls including 9 fours, while Rizwan and Sam Billings scored 23 each.
Hunain Shah led the bowling with impressive figures of 4/22 in 3.1 overs. Akif Javed took three wickets, while Muhammad Ali and Glenn Maxwell claimed one each to ensure a comprehensive victory.