Hunain Shah's last-over heroics propel Hyderabad Kingsmen into PSL final

Key facts

• Hyderabad Kingsmen defeated Islamabad United by two runs in Eliminator 2 on May 1, 2026.
• Hunain Shah conceded just two runs off the bat in the 20th over, defending a target of six.
• Usman Khan scored an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls for the Kingsmen.
• Kusal Perera made 37 off 21, sharing a century stand with Khan.
• Chris Green hit 19 off five balls for United before Shah's final over.
• Shah also dismissed Faheem Ashraf in the last over.
• The Kingsmen will face Peshawar Zalmi in the final on Sunday.
• Hunain Shah is the younger brother of Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah.

A final-over masterpiece

Hunain Shah, the younger brother of Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah, delivered a brilliant final over to put Hyderabad Kingsmen into the final of the Pakistan Super League. Islamabad United needed just six runs off the last over to win a dramatic Eliminator in Lahore but Shah, whose bowling style is reminiscent of his brother, conceded just two runs off the bat to seal a famous win and spark a pitch invasion from the jubilant Kingsmen players. Shah's masterclass in death bowling against his former team-mates sealed a two-run win and a place in Sunday's final against Peshawar Zalmi.

The chase that nearly was

Earlier, Usman Khan (61* off 30 balls) and Kusal Perera (37 off 21) had shared a century stand to steer Kingsmen to 186-5. Mark Chapman (43 off 26) and Haider Ali (31 off 16) got United to within reach of their target before Green's late hitting looked to have tipped the tie. Australia all-rounder Chris Green hammered 19 off five to put United on the verge of victory before Shah's brilliant final over, which also included the wicket of Faheem Ashraf.

Shah's death-bowling philosophy

Hunain Shah revealed his mindset during the high-pressure over: 'We had one plan, bowl six yorkers.' He also shared his secret to PSL domination: 'Win the first ball of an over.' Marnus Labuschagne, the Kingsmen's overseas star, commented on the team's turnaround: 'It's amazing what happens when you instil belief in guys.'

Sameer Minhas looks ahead

Sameer Minhas, another Kingsmen player, spoke about his development after the match, calling the PSL a 'proper avenue of learning cricket.' The tournament has provided a platform for young Pakistani talent to showcase their skills alongside international stars.

Road to the final

The Eliminator 2 victory sets up a title clash with Peshawar Zalmi, who have been dominant throughout the season. The final, scheduled for Sunday, will be played at the same Lahore venue, where the Kingsmen will aim to cap a remarkable campaign. For Islamabad United, the defeat marks the end of their PSL 2026 journey, having fallen just short of a second consecutive final appearance.

Stakes and implications

The Kingsmen's run to the final has been built on a blend of experienced internationals and emerging local talent. Hunain Shah's emergence as a reliable death bowler adds depth to Pakistan's fast-bowling reserves, echoing his brother Naseem's early impact. A victory on Sunday would be the franchise's first PSL title, cementing their place in the league's history.

The bottom line

• Hunain Shah defended six runs in the final over, taking a wicket and conceding only two runs off the bat.
• Usman Khan's unbeaten 61 and Kusal Perera's 37 powered Hyderabad to 186-5.
• Chris Green's 19 off five balls nearly won it for Islamabad United.
• The Kingsmen will face Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2026 final on Sunday.
• Shah credited a simple plan of bowling yorkers for his success under pressure.