HYK VS Multans Sultans: Farhan’s century powers team to win over Hyderabad Kingsmen

LAHORE: Sahibzada Farhan starred with a brilliant century as Multan Sultans chased down a challenging 226-run target to defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen in the eighth match of Pakistan Super League 11 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 226 to win, the reigning 2021 champions reached the target for the loss of four wickets with eight balls to spare. Farhan, the right-handed opener, top-scored with an unbeaten 106 off just 57 balls, hitting eight sixes and seven fours. He anchored the chase, sharing key contributions from Steve Smith (46) and vice-captain Shan Masood (29), before finishing with an unbeaten 37-run partnership alongside Arafat Minhas, who added a quick 26 off 11 balls.

For the Kingsmen, Saim Ayub was the standout bowler, taking 2/43 in four overs, while Maheesh Theekshana and Hassan Khan claimed a wicket each.

Earlier, Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne elected to bat first, and the tournament debutants made 225/5 in 20 overs. Openers Saim Ayub and Maaz Sadaqat put on 59 runs in five overs before Ayub was caught and bowled by Peter Siddle for 27.

Maaz continued to impress with a 26-ball 62, featuring five sixes and five fours, before being dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz. Usman Khan followed soon after, leaving Kingsmen at 127/4. Experienced Sharjeel Khan then stabilised the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls, supported by handy cameos from Syed Saad Ali (23) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (22 not out).

Mohammad Wasim Jr was the pick of the bowlers for Multan Sultans with 2/37, while Nawaz, Siddle, and captain Ashton Turner claimed a wicket each.

HYK Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Usman Khan (wk), Saad Ali, Irfan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Sharjeel Khan, Maheesh Theekshana, Mohammad Ali and Riley Meredith.

Multan Sultans Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Steve Smith, Ashton Turner (c), Shan Masood, Josh Philippe (wk), Muhammad Nawaz, Arafat Minhas, Peter Siddle, Muhammad Waseem Jnr, Shahzad Gul and Momin Qamar.

2026 PSL standings

Meanwhile, Karachi Kings lead the PSL 2026 standings after a perfect start.

The 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season is off to an electrifying start, with Karachi Kings (KAR) leading the points table after winning both of their opening matches.

Fans have already witnessed thrilling encounters as teams jostle for top positions in this highly competitive league. After two rounds of matches, Karachi Kings top the standings with 4 points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.524.

Peshawar Stallions (PES) trail closely with 3 points and an impressive NRR of +0.674, having secured one win and one draw.

Lahore Hawks (LAH) and Multan Sultans (MS) share 2 points each, with LAH boasting the highest NRR at +1.567 despite a loss, while MS remains undefeated in their single match played.

Quetta Gladiators (QG) also have 2 points but lag slightly on NRR (+0.650), whereas Islamabad United (ISL) has 1 point from two matches.

At the bottom, RAP and HYK are yet to taste victory in the ongoing season. With the league still in its early stages, the race for playoff spots promises high-octane cricket, offering fans exciting and unpredictable twists in the weeks ahead.