Farhan’s unbeaten century powers Multan Sultans to six-wicket win

Islamabad: Sahibzada Farhan struck an unbeaten 106 off 57 balls as Multan Sultans chased down 226 to beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by six wickets with eight balls remaining in the Pakistan Super League on Wednesday.

Farhan’s innings, which included eight sixes and seven fours, anchored one of the standout run chases of the season and kept Sultans unbeaten. He sealed the result with a six, capping a dominant knock that eclipsed earlier half-centuries from Kingsmen batters Maaz Sadaqat and Sharjeel Khan.

Kingsmen had posted 225 after an aggressive display led by Sadaqat, who made 62 from 26 deliveries with five sixes and five fours, and Sharjeel, who returned to the league after three years and finished unbeaten on 51 off 26 balls. Their contributions gave Kingsmen what appeared to be a strong total, but Sultans overhauled it in emphatic fashion.

Fast start sets up chase

Sultans began positively through Farhan and Steven Smith. After a quiet opening over, Smith counterattacked against Riley Meredith and Saim Ayub, helping shift the momentum. Farhan then took control, attacking both seam and spin as the opening pair raced ahead.

The two put on 100 in only 7.1 overs, the third century opening stand of the season, laying the foundation for the chase and ensuring the required rate stayed manageable. Even after Smith was dismissed, Farhan continued to score freely and kept Sultans in command.

Kingsmen missed key opportunities in the field. Soon after Farhan reached his fifty from 25 balls, he was dropped at long-on by Irfan Khan Niazi. In another missed chance in the 14th over, wicketkeeper Usman Khan failed to complete a straightforward stumping opportunity against Shan Masood. Masood made the most of the reprieve with a brisk contribution before being dismissed.

Any realistic chance of a Kingsmen fightback faded when Farhan took on Marnus Labuschagne in the middle overs, collecting 21 runs in one over through two sixes and a boundary. He then guided the innings through to the finish without allowing late pressure to build.

Kingsmen’s total not enough

Earlier, Kingsmen had started strongly despite coming into the match still searching for their first win. Openers Saim Ayub and Sadaqat put the Sultans bowlers under pressure from the outset. Usman Khan added a quick 25, including three sixes in a single over, while Sharjeel provided a late surge.

Sharjeel’s assault in the 18th over brought 30 runs, with three sixes and two fours, lifting Kingsmen to a total that looked competitive. But their bowlers were unable to contain Sultans’ aggressive approach, and the dropped chances in the field added to their problems.

The result moved Sultans to the top of the table with two wins in two matches, while Kingsmen remained bottom after losing all three of their games so far.

“I asked my parents to pray for me before the match, and this performance is for them — their prayers mean everything to me,” Farhan said after the match.

The win further strengthened Sultans’ early position in the tournament, while Kingsmen were left to reflect on another defeat despite posting a big total.