Lahore Qalandars eliminated after Kingsmen beat Pindiz in qualifying for PSL key clashes

KARACHI: The Lahore Qalandars were eliminated after Hyderabad Kingsmen crushed the Rawalpindiz team in HK VS Pindiz match here today as the ongoing Pakistan Super League edition entering key matches of the tournament.

The lowest-ranked side in the Pakistan Super League, Pindiz, were set to chase a massive 244-run target after Glenn Maxwell powered Kingsmen with a crucial 70 in today’s match at the National Stadium Karachi.

The 39th match of PSL 11 began after RAP won the toss and elected to bowl first against the Kingsmen. The decision by the bottom-placed side was aimed at finding some momentum and making a comeback in the crucial stage of the tournament.

However, the decision turned out to be the wrong one. Key players from the third-placed Kingsmen, Maaz Sadaqat, Usman Khan, Kusal Perera, along with Saim Ayub and Hassan Khan, delivered strong performances alongside Maxwell.

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Opening batter Maaz scored 28, while middle-order batters Usman and Kusal contributed 54 and 50 respectively. Hassan Khan and Marnus Labuschagne added 16 and 5 runs.

Maxwell’s 70-run knock included 8 boundaries and 3 sixes, giving the innings strong momentum.

The team eventually posted a total of 244 runs, leaving the task to their bowlers to defend it. Despite the daunting target, experts believe the match is still open, though Pindiz are under serious pressure. Hyderabad Kingsmen will need to maintain tight bowling and build pressure as Pindiz begin their chase.

Both sides are competing in a highly competitive manner, with strong playing XIs on display.