Hunain Shah defends five runs in final over to send Hyderabad Kingsmen to PSL final

Key facts

• Hyderabad Kingsmen defeated Islamabad United by 2 runs in Eliminator 2 of PSL 2026.
• Hunain Shah defended a target of 6 runs in the final over, conceding only 3 runs.
• Hunain Shah is the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker of PSL 2026 with 16 wickets in 9 matches.
• He dismissed Faheem Ashraf in the final over.
• Hunain Shah has played 38 T20s, 14 first-class matches, and 9 List A games but has no international cap.
• Hyderabad Kingsmen reached the PSL final in their debut season.

A dramatic final over

Islamabad United needed six runs off the final over to reach the PSL 2026 final. Hunain Shah, a 22-year-old pacer, had other plans. He bowled a succession of yorkers, giving away just three runs and taking the wicket of seasoned Pakistan international Faheem Ashraf. Hyderabad Kingsmen won by two runs, booking their place in the final in their very first season.

The improbable victory

Chasing 187, Islamabad United appeared in control at 181 for 6 after 19 overs. With only six runs required, the game seemed all but over. But Hunain Shah's precision yorkers left Faheem Ashraf and Chris Green with little chance. The over yielded just three runs, sealing a dramatic turnaround.

Hunain Shah's emergence

Hunain Shah, brother of Pakistan star Naseem Shah, is yet to play international cricket but has made a mark in PSL 2026. He is the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 16 wickets in nine matches, level with Shaheen Shah Afridi. His performance in Eliminator 2 has sparked calls for an international debut.

Background and career stats

Hunain Shah has played 38 T20s, 14 first-class matches, and nine List A games. He spent two seasons with Islamabad United before being picked by Hyderabad Kingsmen for PSL 2026. His brother Naseem Shah has represented Pakistan in 20 Tests, 34 ODIs, and 37 T20Is.

What comes next

Hyderabad Kingsmen will now play the PSL 2026 final, aiming to cap off a remarkable debut season. For Hunain Shah, an international call-up may be imminent. His ability to perform under pressure has drawn comparisons to his brother and other top Pakistani pacers.

The bottom line

• Hunain Shah defended five runs in the final over to send Hyderabad Kingsmen to the PSL final.
• He conceded only three runs and took a wicket in that over.
• Hunain Shah is the joint fourth-highest wicket-taker of PSL 2026 with 16 wickets.
• He has not yet played international cricket but is a strong candidate for selection.
• Hyderabad Kingsmen reached the final in their debut season.