Hyderabad Kingsmen beat Multan Sultans by eight wickets in Lahore to advance in the PSL, completing a strong late-season recovery. Maaz Sadaqat (64*) and Usman Khan (64) powered a 162-2 chase after Multan were limited to 159-9, with Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali and Hunain Shah sharing six wickets. Hyderabad now meet Islamabad United on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final against Peshawar Zalmi. Fans were allowed back into stadiums after a late government approval, though attendance remained below capacity amid ticketing and travel concerns.
Hyderabad Kingsmen Down Multan, Advance In PSL As Fans Return To Stadiums
Fans cheer the Pakistan Super League first eliminator cricket match between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Hyderabad Kingsmen completed a dramatic turnaround in the Pakistan Super League by eliminating Multan Sultans with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in Lahore on Wednesday — a match that also marked a gradual return of fans to the stands.
Fans cheer the Pakistan Super League first eliminator cricket match between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Match Recap: After being restricted to 159 for 9, Multan’s innings was built around an unbeaten 69 from Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood, but Hyderabad’s pace trio of Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali and Hunain Shah shared six wickets to keep the scoring in check. Saim Ayub and Glenn Maxwell contributed with a wicket each.
Fans show their tickets as they arrive for Pakistan Super League first eliminator cricket match between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Hyderabad chased the target comfortably, finishing on 162 for 2 in 15.2 overs. Opener Maaz Sadaqat struck an unbeaten 64 off 33 balls, while Usman Khan produced a breezy 64 off 35 deliveries, featuring eight fours and three sixes.
Hyderabad Kingsmen Mohammad Ali, center, celebrates after taking wicket during the Pakistan Super League first eliminator cricket match between Multan Sultans and Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
What This Means: The Kingsmen — led by Australian captain Marnus Labuschagne in their debut PSL season — bounced back from four straight losses at the start of the campaign to win five of their final six league games and clinch a playoff spot. They now face Islamabad United on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final against Peshawar Zalmi, captained by Babar Azam.
Fans Return: The game also reflected a cautious reopening of stadiums. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved spectator attendance for the remaining four PSL fixtures, but ticket distribution problems delayed full crowds in Karachi and Lahore. National Bank Stadium drew a significant turnout midway through Tuesday’s qualifier, while Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium welcomed thousands on Wednesday without reaching full capacity. The PSL had begun behind closed doors amid government guidance to limit travel due to rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict.
Context: Permission for spectators to attend the playoff matches was confirmed less than 24 hours before the Peshawar-Islamabad qualifier; the final was initially cleared for fans after franchise requests and the remaining playoff dates received approval shortly afterward.
Key Performers: Maaz Sadaqat 64* (33), Usman Khan 64 (35); Shan Masood 69*; Akif Javed, Mohammad Ali, Hunain Shah (combined 6 wickets).
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