Hyderabad Kingsmen secured a dramatic spot in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) final after defeating Islamabad United by just two runs in a nail-biting Eliminator 2 clash at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The thrilling victory sends the debutants into Sunday’s final against Peshawar Zalmi, while Islamabad United’s journey in the tournament comes to an end.
Defending a competitive total of 187, Hyderabad showed nerves of steel in the final moments. With only six runs to defend in the last over, Hunain Shah delivered an exceptional spell, conceding just three runs to seal one of the most memorable wins of the season.
Islamabad’s chase never truly found stability early on, as Sameer Minhas and Mohsin Riaz were dismissed within the first three overs. Devon Conway and Shadab Khan attempted to rebuild the innings with a 42-run partnership, but Conway fell for 30, while Shadab struggled to accelerate, managing 22 off 24 balls.
Momentum shifted when Mark Chapman played an aggressive knock of 43 from 26 balls, supported by Haider Ali’s quickfire 31 off just 16 deliveries. The duo added 64 runs, briefly putting Islamabad in control.
Despite Chapman’s departure, Faheem Ashraf and Chris Green reignited hopes with a blistering 22-run penultimate over, leaving just six runs required off the final over.
However, Hunain Shah held his composure under immense pressure, delivering a match-winning final over. He finished with two wickets, while Mohammad Ali also claimed two. Akif Javed, Hassan Khan, and Saim Ayub chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted 186/5 after being asked to bat first. Their innings got off to a poor start when Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed for a duck in the opening over. Saim Ayub and captain Marnus Labuschagne then steadied the innings with a crucial 70-run partnership. Saim scored 38 off 27 balls, while Labuschagne contributed 40 off 32.
However, Hyderabad briefly lost momentum, slipping to 85/4 after quick dismissals of Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell.
The turning point came through a brilliant partnership between Usman Khan and Kusal Perera. The pair added a match-winning 101 runs for the fifth wicket, pushing Hyderabad past the 180 mark. Usman remained unbeaten on 61 off just 30 balls, smashing 10 boundaries, while Perera added a valuable 37 off 21 deliveries.
For Islamabad United, Imad Wasim stood out with the ball, picking up 2/16, while Faheem Ashraf, Richard Gleeson, and Chris Green took one wicket each.
With this impressive win, Hyderabad Kingsmen advance to the PSL 11 final, where they will face table-toppers Peshawar Zalmi in a highly anticipated clash for the championship title.
