Hyderabad Kingsmen Clinch Back-to-Back Wins as Islamabad United Fall Short in HBL PSL Thriller
Karachi, 12 April 2026: Hyderabad Kingsmen continued their winning momentum in the HBL PSL with a convincing six-wicket victory over Islamabad United at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. Successfully chasing a 154-run target with 11 balls remaining, the Kingsmen secured consecutive wins and climbed up to sixth position on the points table, overtaking Lahore Qalandars on net run rate.
After a difficult run of four straight defeats, Hyderabad Kingsmen have bounced back strongly, collecting four valuable points. Meanwhile, the tournament action continues with table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi set to face second-placed Multan Sultans in the next fixture.
Labuschagne Leads Successful Chase with Unbeaten Fifty
Captain Marnus Labuschagne played a match-winning innings, remaining unbeaten on 61 off 53 balls, including six boundaries. He was well supported by Glenn Maxwell, who contributed a quickfire 21* off just nine deliveries, smashing two sixes and the winning boundary.
Maxwell also reached a major milestone during his innings, becoming the third Australian cricketer after David Warner and Aaron Finch to surpass 11,000 runs in T20 cricket.
The duo stitched together an unbeaten 42-run partnership in just 22 balls, guiding the Kingsmen to victory after a brief fightback from Islamabad United in the middle overs.
Strong Start Sets the Tone
Hyderabad got off to an explosive start, with Maaz Sadaqat scoring 20 runs in the opening over. He went on to make a rapid 30 off 16 balls before being dismissed in the fifth over. The Kingsmen collected 56 runs in the powerplay, laying a solid foundation for the chase.
Saim Ayub and Labuschagne then added 60 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the innings. Although Islamabad United picked up three quick wickets in the 14th and 15th overs, Hyderabad maintained control to complete the chase comfortably.
Asif Mehmood Shines on HBL PSL Debut
Earlier in the match, Hyderabad Kingsmen opted to bowl first, and debutant Asif Mehmood delivered an outstanding performance. He claimed four wickets in the final over to finish with figures of 4-18, marking the second-best bowling performance on debut in HBL PSL history.
Islamabad United started strongly, with Devon Conway (45) and Sameer Minhas (22) putting together a 56-run opening partnership. However, disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from Hyderabad turned the game around, including two crucial run-outs in the 10th over.
Mark Chapman played a fighting knock of 42 off 30 balls, helping United cross the 150-run mark. However, Hyderabad’s tight bowling in the middle overs restricted boundaries and kept the total within reach.
Match Summary
- Islamabad United: 153/9 (20 overs)
- Hyderabad Kingsmen: 157/4 (18.1 overs)
- Result: Hyderabad Kingsmen won by 6 wickets
- Player of the Match: Marnus Labuschagne
Hyderabad Kingsmen’s all-round performance ensured a well-deserved win, boosting their campaign in the ongoing HBL PSL season.
Related
