Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan has said that he wants Peshawar Zalmi’s Babar Azam to win the PSL 11 title after United’s two-run defeat to Hyderabad Kingsmen in the second Eliminator at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.⁠

“I want Babar to win the trophy. The poor guy has been trying for a long time,” Shadab said at the post-match press conference. “But the way Hyderabad Kingsmen are playing, it looks like things are going to be difficult for the opposition.”

Hyderabad Kingsmen posted 186 for 5 in their 20 overs and defended it successfully, bowling Islamabad United out for 184 for 7 in reply to advance to the final.

The match came down to the final over, where fast bowler Hunain Shah held his nerve to defend six runs and send Hyderabad into the final.

Shadab was generous in his praise for Hunain. “Allah wanted to give Hunain Shah his moment, and he got it. The poor guy had been fighting injury for a long time. Allah gave him the opportunity.” He added that Hunain had bowled exceptionally throughout the tournament and that returning from injury is never easy.

On United’s own performance, Shadab pointed to death bowling as the area that let his side down. “Our death bowling needed improvement,” he said. “Hyderabad Kingsmen’s fielding was also very good and they saved runs.”

Shadab also held his hand up for his own batting. “I could not hit well either. I could not find any momentum.” He credited Haider Ali for providing a brief spark but noted the momentum stalled after Haider’s dismissal.

He ended on a sporting note, saying the thriller was at least entertaining. “The good thing is that everyone enjoyed themselves because of the match.”