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–108-run win seals debut season qualification, Qalandars out
BeNewz Report
KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen stormed into the PSL 2026 playoffs with a dominant 108-run victory over Rawalpindiz in the 39th match at Karachi’s National Stadium on April 26.
The emphatic win secured Kingsmen a top-four finish in their debut season and knocked Lahore Qalandars out of the tournament. The result also significantly boosted their net run rate, proving decisive in the final standings.
Batting first, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a commanding total, built on a fluent innings from Usman Khawaja, who scored 66 off 43 balls. His knock, which included nine boundaries, laid a solid foundation and set the tone for a competitive total.
In response, Rawalpindiz collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for just 136 runs in 17.1 overs despite an early steady start. The batting lineup failed to cope with disciplined and aggressive bowling from the Kingsmen attack.
Young pacer Hunain Shah emerged as the standout performer, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 wickets for 22 runs in 3.1 overs. He sealed the victory with a sharp yorker that dismissed Ben Sears for a golden duck.
Glenn Maxwell also contributed with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 25 runs in his four overs and maintaining pressure during the middle phase of the innings.
The comprehensive win capped a dramatic turnaround for Hyderabad Kingsmen, who had faced an uphill task in the playoff race. Their clinical performance in a must-win game highlighted both batting depth and bowling strength.
The result reshaped the playoff equation, eliminating Lahore Qalandars and confirming Kingsmen’s place in the knockout stage for the first time. Analysts described the performance as one of the most complete displays of the season.
Hunain Shah is widely expected to be named Player of the Match for his decisive bowling spell that dismantled Rawalpindiz’s batting lineup.
The victory marks a historic milestone for Hyderabad Kingsmen, one of the new franchises introduced this season alongside Rawalpindiz. The team now heads into the playoffs with strong momentum and growing confidence.
As PSL 2026 enters its decisive phase, Hyderabad Kingsmen’s commanding win has added fresh excitement to the tournament, setting up an intense battle in the knockout rounds.
