Hyderabad Kingsmen produced one of the most dramatic finishes of PSL 2026 to secure their place in the final, thanks to a remarkable final over from Hunain Shah. With Islamabad United needing just six runs off the final six balls, the contest seemed all but decided. However, Hunain turned the game on its head by conceding only three runs, sending his side into the championship clash against Peshawar Zalmi.
The tension peaked after Islamabad smashed 22 runs in the 19th over, shifting momentum firmly in their favour. Chris Green and Faheem Ashraf looked in complete control, needing only a run a ball to close the chase. But Hunain responded with exceptional composure. He opened the final over with a dot ball and followed it up with a series of pinpoint yorkers that completely shut down the batters. One of those deliveries resulted in Faheem’s dismissal, caught in the deep, which added further pressure. When the final ball arrived, Islamabad required four runs, but could only manage a leg bye, sealing a famous win for Hyderabad.
Earlier in the evening, the conditions at Gaddafi Stadium suggested a high scoring encounter. With dew settling in and a flat surface on offer, chasing 187 looked well within reach. Islamabad’s innings had its ups and downs, slipping to 68 for 4 at the halfway stage. Despite the early setbacks caused by disciplined bowling and effective spin, a counterattack kept them in the hunt. Mark Chapman’s 43 from 26 balls, Haider Ali’s quick 31 off 16, and Green’s unbeaten 21 from just nine deliveries reignited hope and ensured the game went down to the wire.
Hyderabad’s innings also saw a recovery effort after early damage. Reduced to 85 for 4, they needed a partnership to rebuild, and it came in style. Usman Khan and Kusal Perera combined brilliantly, adding 101 runs in rapid time. Usman remained unbeaten on 61 from 30 balls, surviving a couple of dropped chances, while Perera contributed a fluent 37 from 21. Their stand proved crucial in pushing the total to a competitive level.
This victory marks an incredible turnaround for the Kingsmen, who had struggled at the start of the tournament. Winning seven of their last eight matches, they now stand just one win away from lifting the trophy in what has become a remarkable campaign.
