KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen scored a mammoth score in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final league-level clash against Rawalpindis at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Despite entering the match with a poor net run rate of -1.037, the Kingsmen set a formidable target of 245 runs from their 20 overs.
As per the qualification scenario for the playoffs, Hyderabad need to restrict Rawalpindis to 158 runs or less to secure a place in the next stage of the tournament.
Marnes Labuschagne-led Kingsmen amassed 244-5 thanks to the brilliant batting of Usman Khan, Glenn Maxwell and Gusal Perera.
Maxwell scored 70 off 37 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes. Kusal Perera was unbeaten on 50 off 30 balls with 5 fours and a six.
Usman Khan also played a key role, scoring 54 off 26 balls, hitting 4 fours and 4 sixes in an aggressive innings that boosted the Kingsmen’s total.
Hyderabad have endured a roller-coaster campaign throughout the tournament so far, notably losing four in a row in their opening matches.
However, they staged a strong comeback later in the tournament, recording four straight wins to revive their chances.
Their revival included a memorable high-scoring clash against Multan Sultans, where they successfully chased down a target of 214 runs despite losing six wickets.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Usman Khan’s record was chased by his fourth PSL century, instrumental in one of the most remarkable run chases of the season.