Maaz Sadaqat PSL fifty became one of the most memorable innings of the season till now as the young opener propelled Hyderabad Kingsmen to a massive score against Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium.
The Kingsmen recorded an incredible 225/5 in 20 overs in a match that had high scores. Captain Marnus Labuschagne was right in deciding to bat first. The actual news however was the fearless will depicted by Maaz Sadaqat who took the innings by storm by hitting a scorching knock.
The Kingsmen started aggressively. Maaz and Saim Ayub who were the opening pair contributed with quick runs during powerplay. Their five-over stand of 59 runs formed the basis. Ayub appeared fluent and was bowled by Peter Sidle who took 27 of him. The momentum did not fall even after the initial breakthrough.
Maaz kept on assaulting. He was playing the game he was way too young to play. He had a good timing and a bold choice of shots. He attacked pace and turn without scruple. Despite the dismissal of Ayub, he continued running the scoreboard with short yet effective alliances.
His innings was not only fast. It was computed aggression. He blended lines with clever rotation of strikes. His 50 years were very swift and threatened Multan seriously. He was later sacked by Mohammad Nawaz during the 10 th over, but it was too late.
Maaz scored 62 on the last ball of only 26 balls, with 5 fours and 5 sixes. Those figures are not a mere manifestation of power but a manifestation of intent. It was an inning which tipped the scale immensely on the side of Kingsmen.
In a wider view, this knock is an indication of something more. Hyderabad Kingsmen are not merely banking on the same names.
