LAHORE: A scintillating century from Sahibzada Farhan powered Multan Sultans to a remarkable victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the eighth match of the Pakistan Super League 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a formidable target of 226, the Sultans completed the run chase with four wickets down and eight balls remaining, registering one of the most impressive wins of the tournament so far.
Leading from the front, Farhan anchored the innings with an unbeaten 106 off 57 deliveries, striking eight sixes and seven fours. The right-handed opener maintained control throughout the chase and ensured the required momentum was sustained.
He was well supported by Steve Smith, who scored 46, and vice-captain Shan Masood, who added 29. Towards the end, Farhan stitched an unbroken 37-run partnership with Arafat Minhas, who provided a quickfire 26 off just 11 balls to seal the victory.
For the Kingsmen, Saim Ayub was the most effective bowler, claiming two wickets for 43 runs in his four overs, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hassan Khan chipped in with one wicket each. Farhan’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted a strong total of 225/5 after being put in to bat by their captain Marnus Labuschagne. The innings began on an aggressive note as Saim Ayub and Maaz added 59 runs in the first five overs. Ayub scored a brisk 27 off 20 balls before being dismissed by Peter Siddle.
Maaz continued the charge and emerged as the top scorer for the Kingsmen with a blazing 62 off 26 deliveries, hitting five sixes and five fours. He built useful partnerships with Labuschagne and Usman Khan before falling midway through the innings. The Kingsmen, however, lost momentum briefly after quick wickets reduced them to 127/4.
Experienced campaigner Sharjeel Khan then steadied the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls, supported by valuable contributions from Syed Saad Ali (23) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (22 not out), helping the Kingsmen reach a competitive total.
For the Sultans, Mohammad Wasim Jr was the standout bowler with figures of 2/37, while Mohammad Nawaz, Peter Siddle and captain Ashton Turner claimed one wicket each.