Hunain Shah’s ice-cold final over sends Hyderabad Kingsmen into PSL 2026 Final

LAHORE: In a finish that had everything—drama, pressure, and nerves of steel—Hyderabad Kingsmen booked their place in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 final with a thrilling two-run victory over Islamabad United at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Defending 186 in a high-scoring contest, the match seemed to be slipping away from Kingsmen when Islamabad United needed just six runs off the final over. However, young pacer Hunain Shah delivered a masterclass in death bowling, conceding only three runs and sealing one of the most remarkable wins of the season.

The 20th over began with immense pressure after Chris Green and Faheem Ashraf had smashed 22 runs off Mohammad Ali in the previous over. But Hunain responded brilliantly, opening with a dot ball and then executing five consecutive pinpoint yorkers. The decisive moment came when Faheem mistimed a yorker and was caught at long-off, shifting the momentum firmly back to Kingsmen. With four needed off the final ball, Hunain held his nerve, allowing only a leg bye as Kingsmen clinched victory by the narrowest of margins.

Earlier, Islamabad United’s chase of 187 had been powered by aggressive cameos from Mark Chapman (43 off 26), Haider Ali (31 off 16), and Chris Green (21* off 9). Despite an early collapse that saw them struggling at 68 for 4 in 10 overs, the middle-order resurgence brought them within touching distance of victory.

Kingsmen’s bowlers had set the tone early, with a fiery pace spell complemented by tight overs from spinners Saim Ayub and Hassan Khan. Hunain Shah and Mohammad Ali both picked up two wickets each, ensuring the contest remained within reach heading into the final over.

Earlier in the evening, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted 186 for 5 after being put into bat. Their innings was anchored by a brilliant unbeaten 61 off 30 balls from Usman Khan, who was the standout performer despite being dropped twice. He found strong support in Kusal Perera, who contributed a quickfire 37 off 21 balls, as the duo stitched together a crucial 101-run partnership off just 50 deliveries.

Kingsmen had found themselves in early trouble at 85 for 4, following a double blow from Imad Wasim that removed Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in the same over. However, Usman and Perera’s counterattack shifted the momentum and laid the foundation for a competitive total.

The victory marks a stunning turnaround for Hyderabad Kingsmen, who had lost their first four matches of the tournament. With seven wins in their last eight games, they now head into the final brimming with confidence.

Hyderabad Kingsmen will now face Peshawar Zalmi in Sunday’s grand finale, as they aim to complete a remarkable journey and lift their maiden PSL title.