Hyderabad Kingsmen sealed a playoff place with a crushing win, while Lahore Qalandars crashed out on net run rate.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
Karachi: Hyderabad Kingsmen stormed into the playoffs of Pakistan Super League 11 after a commanding 108-run victory over Rawalpindiz at National Bank Stadium on Sunday, knocking defending champions Lahore Qalandars out of the tournament.
Hyderabad entered the match needing not only a win but also a large enough margin to surpass Lahore on net run rate. They achieved that target emphatically, bowling Rawalpindiz out for 136 in 17.1 overs after piling up a massive 244-6.
The result lifted Kingsmen to 10 points from 10 matches and secured fourth place in the standings, edging Lahore, who finished with the same number of points but an inferior net run rate.
For Lahore Qalandars, the outcome marked a painful end to their title defense. The defending champions had kept hopes alive with a six-wicket win over Peshawar Zalmi, but other results went against them.
Hyderabad’s batting fireworks were led by Usman Khan, who smashed 54 off 26 balls, Glenn Maxwell, who blasted 70 off 37, and Kusal Perera, who remained unbeaten on 50. Their aggressive approach put Rawalpindiz under pressure from the outset.
In reply, Usman Khawaja stood firm with an unbeaten 66, but lacked support as wickets fell regularly. Hunain Shah starred with the ball, taking 4-22, while Akif Javed picked up three wickets.
The dramatic finish highlighted the fierce competition of PSL 11, where every run and every over proved crucial.
While Hyderabad celebrated a stunning late surge into the playoffs, Lahore fans were left stunned as their championship journey ended abruptly.
