Farhan stars in PSL as Sultans chase 226

Sahibzada Farhan struck a superb unbeaten century on Wednesday to lead Multan Sultans to a commanding six-wicket win over Hyderabad Kingsmen, chasing down a daunting 226-run target with eight balls to spare in the Pakistan Super League.

Farhan smashed 106 not out off 57 balls, hitting eight sixes and seven fours, as Sultans completed one of the most impressive chases of the season and maintained their unbeaten start. The winning hit came in fitting fashion, a towering six that sealed victory and capped a dominant innings.

The right-hander’s knock overshadowed aggressive half-centuries from Kingsmen’s Maaz Sadaqat and Sharjeel Khan, who had earlier powered their side to a formidable total.

Sadaqat provided a blistering start, racing to 62 off just 26 balls, including five sixes and five fours, while Sharjeel marked his return to the league after three years with an unbeaten 51 off 26 deliveries. Their efforts helped Kingsmen post a challenging 225, but it ultimately proved insufficient.

Sultans’ chase began at a rapid pace, with Farhan and Steven Smith taking control early. After a steady first over, Smith launched the counterattack, striking boundaries off Riley Meredith and Saim Ayub to shift momentum quickly.

Farhan soon took charge, dismantling both pace and spin with a series of clean strikes. The pair added a century stand in quick time, bringing up 100 runs in just 7.1 overs — the third such partnership of the season — and effectively setting the platform for the chase.

Their opening burst ensured the required rate remained under control, with Sultans consistently ahead of the asking rate. Even after Smith’s departure, Farhan maintained the tempo, finding boundaries at regular intervals.

Kingsmen had opportunities to pull things back but failed to capitalise. Farhan, shortly after reaching his half-century off 25 balls, was dropped at long-on by Irfan Khan Niazi, a lapse that proved costly.

Another missed chance followed in the 14th over when wicketkeeper Usman Khan failed to complete a straightforward stumping to dismiss Shan Masood. Masood capitalised on the reprieve, scoring quickly before eventually falling, further easing the pressure on Sultans.

Any hopes of a comeback were effectively ended when Farhan attacked Marnus Labuschagne in the middle overs, collecting 21 runs in a single over with two sixes and a boundary to bring the target well within reach.

Farhan then guided the chase calmly, ensuring there were no late setbacks as Sultans cruised home with more than an over to spare.

Earlier, Kingsmen had made a strong statement with the bat despite entering the match without a win. Openers Saim Ayub and Sadaqat gave them a flying start, putting pressure on the Sultans bowlers from the outset.

Usman Khan contributed a brisk 25, including three sixes in a single over, while Sharjeel’s late flourish added crucial runs in the final overs. His 30-run assault in the 18th over, featuring three sixes and two fours, lifted Kingsmen to a total that appeared competitive.

However, their bowlers struggled to contain Sultans’ aggressive batting, and lapses in the field further compounded their difficulties.

The result lifts Sultans to the top of the table with two wins from two matches, underlining their strong early form in the tournament. Kingsmen, meanwhile, remain at the bottom after three defeats in as many games, with questions over their ability to defend big totals.

Farhan later dedicated his match-winning performance to his parents.

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

The victory reinforces Sultans’ credentials as title contenders, while Kingsmen face an uphill task to revive their campaign in the matches ahead.