In a thrilling encounter at Gaddafi Stadium, the Hyderabad Kingsmen edged past Islamabad United by just two runs, thanks to Hunain Shah’s remarkable final over. The victory not only secured their spot in the PSL 2026 final but also marked a significant turnaround for the team, who had previously suffered four consecutive losses.
The match unfolded dramatically, with Hyderabad scoring 186 for 5 runs. Usman Khan emerged as a standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 61 runs off 30 balls. However, it was Hunain Shah’s composure under pressure that truly defined the game—he conceded only 3 runs in the last over, thwarting Islamabad’s chase.
Islamabad United had entered the final over needing just 6 runs to snatch victory. Mark Chapman gave them hope with his solid performance, scoring 43 runs off 26 balls, but ultimately fell short. The tension was palpable as fans held their breath, witnessing an intense battle until the very last ball.
Key statistics from the match:
- Hyderabad Kingsmen scored 186 for 5.
- Islamabad United finished at 184 for 7.
- The Kingsmen have now won 7 of their last 8 matches.
- Kusal Perera contributed with 37 runs off 21 balls.
- The Kingsmen were at one point struggling at 85 for 4 in 11.4 overs.
Marnus Labuschagne, reflecting on the nail-biting finish, expressed his disbelief: “I don’t have words to describe what we’ve done today.” He further noted how quickly the game shifted: “It looked like we were going to win relatively comfortably and then all of a sudden it looked like it’s over (but) Hunain Shah stepped in… I’ve got goosebumps just talking about it.” His words encapsulated the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by players and fans alike.
The victory sets up a highly anticipated clash against Peshawar Zalmi in the final. Both teams have shown remarkable form throughout the tournament, promising an exciting showdown. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await this face-off, one thing is certain: Hyderabad Kingsmen are back in contention and ready to claim their place at the top.