In a thrilling showdown at Gaddafi Stadium, the Hyderabad Kingsmen narrowly defeated Islamabad United by two runs, securing their spot in the PSL 2026 final against Peshawar Zalmi. This dramatic victory was marked by an impressive last over from Hunain Shah, who only conceded three runs when Islamabad needed six to win.
The Kingsmen had initially struggled in the tournament, losing their first four matches. However, they turned their fortunes around dramatically, winning seven out of their last eight games. Usman Khan shone with an unbeaten 61 runs off just 30 balls, helping his team set a target of 186 runs.
Islamabad United responded with determination but fell short, finishing at 184 for 7. Mark Chapman contributed significantly with 43 runs off 26 balls, but it was Hunain Shah’s performance in the final over that sealed the fate of the match. Marnus Labuschagne expressed his disbelief at the team’s journey, stating, “I don’t have words to describe what we’ve done today.” He elaborated on the tense moments leading up to the victory: “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 and goes for, what, three in the last over to win the game … I’ve got goosebumps just talking about it.”
The Kingsmen’s remarkable turnaround has left fans buzzing with excitement as they prepare for the final against Peshawar Zalmi. With both teams showcasing their strengths throughout the tournament, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate what promises to be an electrifying championship match.
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”