KARACHI: Hyderabad Kingsmen secured their first-ever victory in Pakistan Super League history, chasing down a target of 188 runs against Karachi Kings with five balls to spare in the 20th match of PSL 11 at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.
After Karachi Kings posted 188 for 8 in their 20 overs, the Kingsmen rode on explosive contributions from their top and middle order to reach 189 for 6 in 19.1 overs, winning by four wickets.
Hyderabad Kingsmen win their first-ever HBL PSL match and will be crowned with the Taj of Sindh.#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #KKvHK pic.twitter.com/Y93KO3cE1Z
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 11, 2026
Labuschagne sets the tone with explosive cameo
Chasing 189, Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne came out firing, smashing 26 runs off just 10 balls with three fours and two sixes. He added 36 runs in quick time with Maaz Sadaqat before falling to Khushdil Shah in the third over.
Usman Khan then joined Sadaqat, and the pair accelerated the chase with a rapid 60-run partnership off just 31 balls. Usman made 27 off 13 deliveries (three fours, two sixes) before falling to Abbas Afridi.
Right out of the screws 💪
Irfan Khan hits Hasan Ali straight down the ground for a maximum ☄#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #KKvHK pic.twitter.com/LpJxhnxwWj
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 11, 2026
Middle-order stutter raises tension
Maaz Sadaqat continued his composed innings, scoring 37 off 29 balls with four fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Adam Zampa. Saim Ayub (6) and Glenn Maxwell (2) fell cheaply, leaving the Kingsmen at 112 for 5 in the 12th over.
Kusal Perera then added 17 off 14 balls, but his dismissal in the 16th over left Hyderabad at 139 for 6, still needing 50 runs from the remaining four overs.
Hassan and Irfan Khan produce finishing masterclass
With the chase hanging in balance, Hassan Khan and Irfan Khan joined forces to produce a match-winning unbeaten partnership. The duo added 50 runs off just 24 balls, showcasing nerves of steel under pressure.
Hassan Khan remained not out on 33 off 16 balls, striking two fours and two sixes at a strike rate of 206.25. Irfan Khan contributed a steady 29 off 20 balls, including two fours and a six, as the Kingsmen crossed the finish line with five deliveries to spare.
📸from #KKvHK second innings.#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra pic.twitter.com/O9pAwLHmyX
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) April 11, 2026
Karachi Kings’ bowling falls short
For Karachi Kings, Abbas Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 30 from four overs. Adam Zampa (1 for 27), Khushdil Shah (1 for 22), and Salman Agha (1 for 7) each took one wicket, but the total of 189 proved insufficient.
Brief Scores
Karachi Kings: 188 for 8 in 20 overs (Saad Baig 53 retired out, Moeen Ali 44; Hunain Shah 3-19, Mohammad Ali 2-35)
Hyderabad Kingsmen: 189 for 6 in 19.1 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 37, Hassan Khan 33, Irfan Khan 29, Usman Khan 27, Labuschagne 26; Abbas Afridi 2-30)
Result: Hyderabad Kingsmen won by 4 wickets (with 5 balls remaining)
Historic moment for debutants
The victory marks a historic milestone for the Hyderabad Kingsmen, who were making their maiden appearance in the PSL this season. After losing their first four matches, the Kingsmen finally opened their account with a thrilling chase against the 2020 champions, sending their fans into celebration.
