Hyderabad Defeats Multan in PSL Playoffs as Fans Return

LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — The Hyderabad Kingsmen secured a big win against the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League playoffs on Wednesday. This victory sees them move closer to the finals. Fans are slowly returning to stadiums after being away for months due to rising fuel prices and government restrictions.

Hyderabad started their debut season with four straight losses but managed to turn things around, winning five of their last six league games to qualify for the playoffs. They will face Islamabad United in the next match, aiming to reach the final against Peshawar Zalmi.

Peshawar defeated Islamabad by 70 runs in a qualifier earlier this week, thanks to Babar Azam’s strong performance. The return of fans began after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif allowed spectators back for the remaining matches. However, ticket distribution faced issues initially, with only mid-sized crowds attending games.

In Wednesday’s match, Hyderabad’s pace bowlers took six wickets while their batters scored strongly. Maaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan played key roles in helping Hyderabad reach 162-2. Meanwhile, Multan struggled to score despite Shan Masood’s unbeaten 69.

The PSL had been held without fans since last month due to fuel price concerns and government guidelines advising people to stay home. The decision to allow fans back was made just hours before the qualifier between Peshawar and Islamabad began.