Lahore: Hyderabad Kingsmen booked their place in the final of Pakistan Super League Season 11 after a nail biting win against Islamabad United in the second eliminator on Friday night. The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium and kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.
Earlier in the match, Islamabad United won the toss and chose to bowl first. In response, Hyderabad Kingsmen put up a strong total of 186 runs for the loss of five wickets in their 20 overs. Usman Khan led the charge with an unbeaten 61 runs. He was well supported by captain Marnus Labuschagne who scored 39. Saim Ayub added 38 runs while Kusal Perera chipped in with 37. For Islamabad, Imad Wasim took two wickets, while Chris Green, Richard Gleeson, and Faheem Ashraf claimed one each.
Meanwhile, chasing a target of 187, Islamabad United fought hard but fell just short. They managed 184 runs for seven wickets at the end of their innings. Mark Chapman top scored with 43 runs, followed by Haider Ali with 31 and Devon Conway with 30. Shadab Khan scored 22 while Chris Green added 21 runs to keep the chase alive.
However, the turning point came in the final over. Fast bowler Hanin Shah held his nerve and successfully defended six runs. His calm bowling under pressure sealed a famous two run victory for Hyderabad Kingsmen. Hanin Shah and Mohammad Ali took two wickets each, while Hasan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Aakif Javed picked up one wicket apiece.
As a result, Hyderabad Kingsmen will now face Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 11 final on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Fans are now eagerly waiting for what promises to be a high energy finale to the tournament.
