They say, "Run at your problems, for the exit is always on the other side." Precisely what Hyderabad Kingsmen did. Before tonight, they had never won a game in Lahore. But they came well prepared, executed their plans and conquered Multan Sultans. Now, they are just one step away from the big finale.
However, what stands in their way is no feeble obstacle. Islamabad United are not only three times champion, but also the team that bundled Labuschagne and co. out for 80 the last time they met. Hence, it won't be easy. But that is why you must tune in — to witness how Kingsmen turn up and try to take on that challenge.
That match is on Friday, May 1. Do join us then. For now, this is Darpan Tikiya saying goodbye on the behalf of Dev Rajawat, Saptak Sanyal, Mohammad Anab and Raju Khariya. Keep following CREX for more cricketing action from around the world. Sayonara!
Biggest Win by Balls Remaining at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore in T20s (Target 160 or more): 33 balls (T-170) - England vs Pakistan, 2022 28 balls (T-160) - Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Multan Sultans, 2026 (Tonight)* 22 balls (T-183) - Multan Sultans vs RawalPindiZ, 2026
Highest Score by a Batter (aged less than 21) in PSL 2026:
Biggest Defeat by Balls Remaining for Multan Sultans in PSL:
79 balls (T-90) - Lost by 10 wickets against Quetta Gladiators, Lahore, 2025
42 balls (T-109) - Lost by 7 wickets against Peshawar Zalmi, Multan, 2025
28 balls (T-160) - Lost by 8 wickets against Hyderabad Kingsmen, Lahore, 2026 (Tonight)*
Biggest Win by Balls Remaining When Chasing a Target of 160 or More in PSL: 28 balls (T-160) - Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Multan Sultans, Lahore, 2026 (Tonight)* 25 balls (T-167) - Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars, Sharjah, 2016 25 balls (T-169) - Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi, 2022
Marnus Labuschagne (Hyderabad Kingsmen captain): "(His immediate thoughts on the win) It is hard to put in words what it means for the franchise, the owners, the support staff, the players. We put in a lot of work and time. We came well-prepared. They played well with the bat in games we played (against them in the league stage). We came in with a little bit of prep today and it came off.
(Did winning the last game with aplomb help?) We had a discussion about it. When we won that amazing game against Multan (earlier in the league stage), we were so high, we expected it to carry us. And we got out for 80. So that helped us. Here we were coming from another high, but we did not want to let anything lose.
(On his development as a captain through the course of this tournament) I got more relationships with players now. You can have more honest conversations. You know how people operate. Today though, I made some mistakes. When we were on top, I wanted to keep attacking. I made wrong moves and got grumpy. But in the end, credit goes to the players.
(On the fast bowling unit) So good. This is great when you have guys you can put faith in. In T20s, you will always have a bad over. But it is great to be able to trust your guys to keep coming back. I am so proud of the guys, from where we were, 4 losses in a row (at the start of the season) to now where we have reached."
Ashton Turner (Multan Sultans Captain): (On losing momentum and ending the campaign poorly) "Yeah, you’re right. I think we lost a little bit of momentum over the last couple of games. We were 6-2 after the eighth game and feeling really good about our complete game. Fortunes can turn pretty quickly, and unfortunately, we’ve ended the campaign with some of our worst cricket. We were trying to trend in the opposite direction and finish the campaign by bringing our best cricket forward, but that wasn’t the case, unfortunately.
(On whether the Powerplay cost them the game) Yeah, I mean, the stats would suggest that if you lose that many wickets in the powerplay, you rarely win games of cricket. We saw that’s how it played out. When you add that to the quality of our top order, we’ve seen more often than not that they perform. It was probably the first time we’ve lost wickets in a Powerplay in 11 games, which is quite an achievement for our batting unit. Unfortunately, it happened in a knockout game.
(On his overall PSL experience personally and as a team) Yeah, I’m really disappointed with how it’s finished, but everyone in our changing room - probably not for the next hour or so - has generally had a smile on their face. We’ve had a great time. We’ve loved being here in Pakistan, especially for the overseas group, alongside a great set of local players, coaches, and support staff. We feel very fortunate to be here playing cricket."
Maaz Sadaqat (Player of the Match): "(On your batting today) First of all, I want to thank the almighty. I was playing a lot of attacking cricket outside the circle (powerplay). The coaches said me to play out a couple of overs and today I tried that and got the success.
(You went on back foot to play the spinners. Was it to take the game deep?) Yes my plan was that. I planned to attack in the powerplay and after that I tried to take the game deep.
(On the catch of Steve Smith) I missed a catch prior to that. I was determined that I will try to take a good catch or do something great in the field to compensate that."