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A Thrilling Finish at Gaddafi Stadium
In what will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 Pakistan Super League, the Hyderabad Kingsmen pulled off an improbable victory over Islamabad United. With a spot in the final on the line, the Kingsmen clinched a two-run win, largely thanks to a display of nerves of steel by young pacer Hunain Shah.
The Final Over Drama
Islamabad United looked to be cruising toward victory, requiring only six runs off the final six balls after a brutal 22-run assault by Chris Green and Faheem Ashraf in the 19th over. However, Hunain Shah had other plans. Opening the 20th over with a dot ball, he proceeded to deliver five consecutive, pinpoint yorkers that left the batting side completely stifled.
The pressure proved too much for Faheem Ashraf, who holed out to long-off while attempting to force the pace. With the equation reduced to four runs needed from the final delivery, Hunain remained composed, conceding only a leg-bye to seal the Kingsmen’s spot in the final against Peshawar Zalmi.
United’s Gallant Chase
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch proved to be a batting paradise, with the heavy dew further aiding the ball coming onto the bat. Chasing a target of 187, Islamabad United faced early jitters, slipping to 68 for 4 after ten overs. A hostile spell of fast bowling, combined with disciplined spin from Saim Ayub and Hassan Khan, put the Kingsmen in the driver’s seat early on.
However, United’s middle order displayed tremendous grit. Mark Chapman (43 off 26), Haider Ali (31 off 16), and the explosive Chris Green (21* off 9) kept the game alive until the very last ball, ensuring a captivated crowd witnessed a high-stakes thriller.
Kingsmen’s Resilient Total
Earlier in the evening, the Hyderabad Kingsmen found themselves in a precarious position at 85 for 4 in the 12th over. The Islamabad United bowlers, led by the tactical brilliance of Imad Wasim—who dismissed both Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in a single over—seemed to have the game under control. Richard Gleeson also struck early, removing Maaz Sadaqat for a duck.
The turnaround was orchestrated by a sparkling 101-run partnership off just 50 balls between Usman Khan and Kusal Perera. Usman Khan, riding his luck after being dropped twice, finished with an unbeaten 61 off 30 deliveries, while Perera chipped in with a vital 37 off 21. Saim Ayub also provided stability at the top of the order, recording his season-best score of 38.
From Bottom to Top: The Kingsmen’s Turnaround
The victory serves as a testament to the resilience of the Hyderabad Kingsmen. Having lost their first four matches of the tournament, their ascent to the final represents one of the most remarkable turnarounds in PSL history. Having won seven of their last eight games, the Kingsmen have transformed from tournament cellar-dwellers into championship favorites.
The upcoming final against Peshawar Zalmi promises to be a high-octane affair. As the Kingsmen look to complete their fairy-tale season, fans will be hoping for a repeat of the composure and skill shown by their bowling unit under extreme pressure. Sunday’s showdown is not to be missed.
