Lahore, May 1, 2026: A brilliant unbeaten half-century from Usman Khan guided Hyderabad Kingsmen to a competitive total of 186/5 against Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 of the Pakistan Super League 11 at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.
After being asked to bat first, the Kingsmen recovered from early setbacks through a sensational fifth-wicket partnership between Usman Khan and Kusal Perera.
The innings began poorly for Hyderabad as Richard Gleeson removed opener Maaz Sadaqat for a four-ball duck in the opening over with just one run on the scoreboard.
Following the early blow, Saim Ayub and captain Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings with a cautious 70-run partnership for the second wicket.
The stand was broken in the 10th over when Chris Green dismissed Saim Ayub after a brisk 38 off 27 balls that included seven boundaries.
Labuschagne then added 13 runs alongside Glenn Maxwell before both batters fell to Imad Wasim in the 12th over, reducing the Kingsmen to 85/4.
The Kingsmen skipper contributed 40 runs off 32 deliveries, hitting four fours and a six.
With Hyderabad under pressure, Usman Khan and Kusal Perera launched a remarkable counterattack, stitching together a game-changing 101-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Usman Khan led the charge with an unbeaten 61 off just 30 deliveries, smashing 10 boundaries, while Perera provided strong support with a quickfire 37 off 21 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim emerged as the most effective bowler, claiming two wickets for just 16 runs in his two overs.
Faheem Ashraf, Richard Gleeson and Chris Green picked up one wicket each.
