In a dramatic finish, Islamabad United lost to Hyderabad Kingsmen by just 2 runs in the PSL Eliminator 2 at Gaddafi Stadium on May 1, 2026.
Hyderabad Kingsmen set a target of 186 runs, scoring 186 for 5 wickets. Usman Khan was instrumental, scoring an unbeaten 61 runs off just 30 balls.
Islamabad United fought hard but managed only 184 runs for 7 wickets. Shadab Khan, the captain, expressed his disappointment over his team’s elimination.
Khan acknowledged the performance of Hyderabad Kingsmen, stating, “Yes, sad we didn’t make it to the final, but the team which played better deserves to be in the final.” His words reflect the competitive spirit of the tournament.
The match highlighted several issues for Islamabad United. Shadab pointed out that their death bowling was a concern, admitting they conceded an extra 10 to 15 runs during critical overs.
Shadab also noted that his team lost wickets at crucial times. He mentioned, “I think I should have batted a bit better and taken the momentum.” This indicates a sense of responsibility for their performance.
Sameer Minhas stood out during the tournament, scoring a total of 349 runs in just 11 innings. Shadab praised him as an exceptional talent.
The elimination leaves Islamabad United reflecting on their strategy and performance throughout the season. They will need to address their weaknesses before next year’s tournament.
No further details have emerged regarding potential changes or future plans for Islamabad United following this defeat.
