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–Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten century powers Multan to second straight win
Abdullah Zahid
LAHORE: Multan Sultans secured a six-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in Pakistan Super League 11 on Wednesday, chasing a daunting 226-run target at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium, powered by a match-winning century from Sahibzada Farhan.
Hyderabad Kingsmen, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted 225 for five in their allotted 20 overs, setting one of the highest totals of the tournament so far. The aggressive start came from opening batter Muaz Sadaqat, who struck 62 runs off just 26 balls, anchoring the early momentum with a high strike rate.
Returning hard-hitter Sharjeel Khan continued the onslaught, smashing 51 runs off 26 deliveries, including several boundaries that kept the pressure on Multan’s bowlers. The middle order contributed with steady runs as Saim Ayub scored 27, Usman Khan added 25, while Saad Ali and Irfan Khan chipped in with 23 and 22 runs respectively.
Despite the strong batting display, Hyderabad could not fully capitalize in the final overs as Multan’s bowling unit regained some control. Mohammad Wasim emerged as the most effective bowler, claiming two wickets, while Ashton Turner, Peter Siddle, and Mohammad Nawaz picked up one wicket each to restrict further damage.
In response, Multan Sultans launched a rapid chase, with Sahibzada Farhan and Steve Smith providing an explosive opening stand. Smith played a crucial supporting role with a fluent 46 runs before departing, laying a solid foundation for the chase.
Farhan then took charge of the innings, delivering a commanding performance under pressure. He remained unbeaten on 106 runs, guiding his team to victory with calculated aggression and composure. His innings included a mix of powerful strokes and smart strike rotation, keeping the required run rate within reach throughout the chase.
Shan Masood contributed 29 runs in the middle overs, stabilizing the innings after Smith’s dismissal, while Arafat Minhas added a valuable 26 runs to maintain momentum. Their partnerships ensured that Multan stayed on course despite the high target.
Hyderabad’s bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs on a batting-friendly surface. Saim Ayub managed to pick up two wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hasan Khan claimed one wicket each, but the efforts were insufficient to halt Multan’s charge.
Farhan’s century proved decisive and earned him the player of the match award, highlighting his growing importance in Multan’s batting lineup. His performance also underlined the increasing trend of high-scoring matches in the Pakistan Super League, where batting-friendly conditions and aggressive strategies have dominated recent seasons.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board statistics, average first-innings scores in PSL matches have risen steadily over recent editions, crossing the 180-run mark in multiple venues. Analysts attribute this trend to improved pitch conditions, modern batting techniques, and evolving T20 strategies focused on power hitting.
Multan Sultans have been one of the most consistent teams in recent PSL seasons, having won the title in 2021 and reaching multiple playoffs since then. Their balanced squad, combining experienced internationals and emerging local talent, has kept them among the top contenders each year.
Hyderabad Kingsmen, a newer entrant [verify], are still searching for stability in their lineup. Their third consecutive defeat raises concerns about bowling depth and match finishing ability, despite strong top-order performances.
With this result, Multan Sultans registered their second win in the tournament, strengthening their position in the early standings. Hyderabad Kingsmen, meanwhile, remain winless after three matches, placing them under pressure in the points table.
The Pakistan Super League continues to attract strong viewership and commercial growth, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s cricket economy. According to PCB reports, PSL revenues and sponsorship deals have expanded steadily, reflecting the league’s rising global appeal.
Looking ahead, Multan Sultans will aim to maintain their winning momentum, while Hyderabad Kingsmen must address bowling weaknesses to remain competitive. The evolving dynamics of PSL 11 suggest another high-scoring season, with batting dominance shaping match outcomes across venues.
