‘Fastest PSL centurion’ Usman Khan reluctant to commit to Pakistan

Multan Sultans opener Usman Khan put his former franchise Quetta Gladiators and hit a ruthless and destructive 43-ball 120 as Multan Sultans posted the league’s highest total of 262 for three.

Usman took full advantage of the absence of Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain when he canned 12 fours and nine sixes in a 43-ball onslaught. He completed his first 50 from 22 balls with seven fours and three sixes, while his next 50 runs came off 14 balls with four fours and four sixes. His 36-ball 100 was the quickest century in HBL PSL, beating 24-hour-old record of team-mate Rilee Rossouw, who had reached the three figures in 41 balls against Peshawar Zalmi.

However, in the post-match conference, the hard hitting batsman, who is settled in UAE and plays franchise cricket over there, seemed hesitant to commit to Pakistan.

"You know how uncertain conditions are in Pakistan. No one knows what will happen next. If you score in one match and don’t perform in next two matches, people start criticizing you. If you perform in another country, only then Pakistani consider you good enough. I will continue to play the way I am doing right now," Usman said.

"I didn’t get a chance to play at a higher level in Pakistan. I used to be in second XI tournaments all the time despite performing. I have played as a local player in UAE and performed well. When you don’t get opportunity to play first-class in Pakistan, you are bound to move to another country," he added.

Usman made his intentions clear in the third over of the innings when he slapped Aimal Khan for four fours in five balls. In the sixth over, Usman welcomed Qais Ahmed by taking him to the cleaners by hitting three sixes and two fours as Multan Sultans completed their PowerPlay overs at 91 for no loss.

Usman showed no respect to the Afghanistan bowler when he returned in the ninth over, again belting him for three sixes and two fours. The hapless Qais Ahmed ended up with the most expensive HBL PSL figures of 4-0-77-2.

Usman was eventually stumped off a Mohammad Nawaz wide but after the Multan Sultans scoreboard showed 157 in 10 overs.