Kingsman gain their first ever PSL win against Karachi Kings

KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen finally opened their account in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11, pulling off a thrilling four-wicket win over Karachi Kings at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging 189-run target, the Kingsmen showed grit and composure, sealing victory in the final over thanks to a crucial late surge led by Muhammad Irfan Khan and Hassan Khan.

The win marks a significant turnaround for the debutants, who had suffered four consecutive defeats earlier in the tournament.

Hyderabad got off to a flying start, with skipper Marnus Labuschagne smashing a quick 26 off just 10 balls before falling early. Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat then kept the momentum alive with an aggressive 60-run stand, putting the Kingsmen firmly on track.

Sadaqat top-scored with a brisk 37, while Usman chipped in with a fiery 27. However, a sudden collapse saw Hyderabad lose multiple wickets in quick succession, slipping to 112/5 and putting Karachi back in control.

With the pressure mounting, Irfan Khan stepped up and anchored the chase. He first stitched a steady partnership with Kusal Perera before joining forces with Hassan Khan for a match-winning unbeaten 50-run stand.

Hassan played a decisive role, hammering 33 off just 16 deliveries, while Irfan remained unbeaten on 29, guiding the Kingsmen to a memorable victory.

For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Hasan Ali, Khushdil Shah, Adam Zampa, and Salman Ali Agha picked up one each.

Earlier, Karachi Kings posted a competitive 188-8 after being put in to bat. Their innings got off to a shaky start with an early wicket, but Salman Ali Agha and Muhammad Waseem steadied the ship with a crucial partnership.

Saad Baig and Azam Khan then added valuable runs in the middle overs, building a solid foundation. Baig impressed with a composed half-century, scoring 53 before retiring out.

The momentum shifted dramatically when Moeen Ali unleashed a blistering cameo, smashing 44 off just 16 balls, lifting Karachi to a formidable total.

For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Hunain Shah starred with the ball, claiming three key wickets, while Mohammad Ali chipped in with two.

In the end, Hyderabad’s resilience with the bat proved decisive, as they clinched their maiden PSL victory in style.