Hyderabad Kingsmen Advance to Second Eliminator with Dominant Display Against Multan Sultans Hyderabad Kingsmen secured a commanding victory over Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League Eliminator at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, propelling them to the second Eliminator of the tournament. The win, driven by half-centuries from Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat, marked a pivotal moment in the Kingsmen’s campaign, continuing their remarkable resurgence after a slow start to the season. The match, which saw Hyderabad chase down a target of 160 with ease, highlighted their disciplined bowling and explosive batting. Multan Sultans, who had finished second in the league stage with six wins, struggled to recover from early setbacks, ultimately falling to 159-9. Hyderabad’s ability to maintain composure under pressure and capitalize on key opportunities solidified their position in the playoffs. Usman Khan and Maaz Sadaqat formed a formidable partnership, scoring 102 runs off 53 balls to dismantle the Sultans’ resistance. Khan’s aggressive strokeplay, including a six over midwicket and a boundary against left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, set the tone for the innings. Sadaqat complemented his efforts with a series of crisp drives and pulls, showcasing his ability to dominate the attack. The duo’s innings not only secured the win but also underscored Hyderabad’s depth in both batting and bowling. The Sultans’ innings was marred by early wickets and a lack of support for their top-order. Despite a promising start from Sahibzada Farhan, who struck two early boundaries, Hyderabad’s bowlers quickly turned the tide. Mohammad Ali and Akif Javed removed key Sultans batsmen, including Steven Smith and Sahibzada, within the first eight overs.#pakistan_super_league #maaz_sadaqat #multan_sultans #hyderabad_kingsmen #usman_khan
Usman Khan Reveals Struggles After Being Dropped From Pakistan Squad Pakistan’s T20I batter Usman Khan has detailed the emotional and professional challenges he faced following his exclusion from the national team, shedding light on the self-doubt, criticism, and personal efforts that led to his eventual resurgence in international cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter, who made his international debut for Pakistan on 18 April 2024 during a home series against New Zealand, spoke candidly during a recent interview with a local YouTube platform about the difficult phase of his career when questions about his place in the team and future prospects dominated discussions. Khan recounted the harsh reactions he received after being dropped from the Pakistan squad, with some individuals suggesting he would never make a comeback and that his opportunities had already been exhausted. “People told me that I would never make a comeback and that I had already been given enough chances, so I should go back to the UAE,” he said. However, instead of attributing his struggles to external factors, Khan took full responsibility for his performance, acknowledging his shortcomings during that period. He emphasized that his decision to improve his fitness and diet was a turning point in his career. “I used to tell people that Pakistan had given me enough chances, it was my fault. It was my mistake that I couldn’t perform. Then I hired a personal trainer and improved my diet and fitness,” he added. The setback was compounded by a prior controversy involving the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). In 2024, Khan was banned for breaching obligations and misrepresenting his intention to represent the UAE, which restricted his participation in ECB-sanctioned events.#pakistan_super_league #gaddafi_stadium #usman_khan #emirates_cricket_board #kakul_abbottabad
