Hyderabad Kingsmen’s fast bowler Mohammad Ali turned to the words of former Indian coach Rahul Dravid to sum up Hunain Shah’s match-winning final over as the Kingsmen beat Islamabad United by two runs in the PSL 11 Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Friday night.
“It was his hard work, and as the great Rahul Dravid once said, luck comes to those who work hard,” the 33-year-old said at the end of the match.
Ali was full of praise for the 22-year-old Hunain, who defended six runs in the final over to send Hyderabad into the final.
Just realised that Mohammad Ali quoted the Great Indian Wall Rahul Dravid and NGAF. Saw someone wearing an RCB jersey as well in the stands.
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) May 1, 2026
Now imagine, something of this sorts happened in our neighboring country!!pic.twitter.com/mYUhCJV5gU
“Very difficult to explain in words. Hunain deserves all the credit for the way he bowled, keeping his cool and showing great composure to hold his nerve,” he said.
Ali also admitted his own struggles during the game. “Was disappointed after the poor over that I bowled, but the belief was always there in Hunain after his brilliant bowling this season.”
Hunain’s final over was a masterclass under pressure. Islamabad United needed six runs to win and five to tie, with fielders pulled in due to a slow over-rate penalty. Hunain gave away just one run off the first three balls to swing the contest.
Faheem Ashraf was then dismissed for 19 off 11 balls, with Hassan Khan taking the catch. Imad Wasim came in needing five runs off two balls, managed a single, and Chris Green could only do the same off the last ball, leaving Islamabad two runs short and Hyderabad through to the final.
Hyderabad now faces Peshawar Zalmi at the same venue on Sunday night, where they will meet Babar Azam’s side for the title.
However, the night was not without controversy for Ali. He was fined 10 per cent of his match fee after pleading guilty to a Level 1 breach of the HBL PSL Code of Conduct. Ali violated Article 2.21, which covers conduct that brings the game into disrepute.
The incident took place in the 16th over of Islamabad United’s innings when Faheem Ashraf walked in to bat following the dismissal of Haider Ali. On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Shahid Saikat levelled the charge, with match referee Roshan Mahanama imposing the sanction.
