LAHORE: A sensational 101-run unbroken partnership between Usman Khan and Kusal Perera rescued Hyderabad Kingsmen from a middle-order collapse and propelled them to set a target of 187 runs against Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
A century stand between Usman Khan and Kusal Perera takes Kingsmen to a healthy total.
Can Islamabad United chase this score successfully to secure a spot in the final?#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #IUvHK pic.twitter.com/U4FXQney3P
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 1, 2026
Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that initially paid dividends as the Kingsmen lost early wickets.
Early wobble and recovery
Maaz Sadaqat departed for a golden duck off the fourth ball of the match. Despite a 70-run stand between Marnus Labuschagne (39) and Saim Ayub (38), both fell in quick succession, followed by Glenn Maxwell for just 3 runs, leaving Kingsmen struggling at 85 for 4.
Usman and Perera unleash a flurry of boundaries in the penultimate over⚡#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #IUvHK pic.twitter.com/GXJ3CVaZX3
— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 1, 2026
However, Usman Khan produced a blistering unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, studded with 10 boundaries. Alongside Kusal Perera (37 off 21), he engineered the match-defining 101-run stand for the fifth wicket to propel Kingsmen past the 180-run mark.
Pick of the bowlers
Imad Wasim was the standout performer for Islamabad United, claiming two crucial wickets while conceding just 16 runs from his two overs.
Islamabad United now require 187 runs at 9.35 runs per over to secure a place in the final. The chase is set to begin shortly at the Gaddafi Stadium.
