Mohammad Ali Abbas Mark Chapman Rahul Dravid. Image Credits: AFP/X
Hyderabad Kingsmen defeated Islamabad United in Eliminator 2 of PSL 2026 to secure their place in the final. The match had everything, but one heated on-field moment between Mohammad Ali and Mark Chapman that became one of the most talked-about incidents of the night.
Islamabad United posted a competitive total of 184/7, thanks to a strong finish in the death overs. Usman Khan who played sublime knock made 61(30)* and Kusal Perera supported him well with 37(21).
Hunain Shah guides Hyderabad Kingsmen to the PSL 2026 final
Hyderabad Kingsmen delivered a memorable performance to book their place in the final against Peshawar Zalmi, led by Babar Azam.
The team showed resilience despite early setbacks. Losing Maaz Sadaqat in the first over could have derailed their innings, but a solid 70-run partnership between the captain and Saim Ayub steadied things.
Later, a brilliant 101-run stand between Usman Khan and Kusal Perera powered Hyderabad to 186/5.
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In response, Islamabad struggled early but fought back through Haider Ali and Chapman. The equation came down to 28 runs off the last two overs, setting up a tense finish. Mohammad Ali's expensive over left just six runs to defend in the final over.
That's when Hunain Shah stepped up. Despite conceding 17 runs in his previous over, he delivered a stunning final over, giving away only three runs and taking a wicket. Hyderabad sealed victory by just two runs, one of the narrowest margins in PSL playoff history.
The win also placed Hyderabad among the teams with the lowest-margin victories in the PSL playoffs.
Lowest Margin Win in Playoffs in PSL:
- 1 run – Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans, Lahore, 2023 (Final)
- 1 run – Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators, Lahore, 2018 (Eliminator 1)
- 1 run – Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi, Sharjah, 2017 (Qualifying Final)
- 1 run – Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi, Dubai, 2016 (Qualifying Final)
- 2 runs – Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United, Lahore, 2026, (Eliminator 2), Tonight*
- 6 runs – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United, Lahore, 2022, (Eliminator 2)
Lowest Margin of Victory by Runs against Islamabad United in PSL:
- 2 runs by Hyderabad Kingsmen, Lahore, 2026 (Tonight)*
- 6 runs by Lahore Qalandars, Lahore, 2022
- 8 runs by Lahore Qalandars, Karachi, 2022
- 8 runs by Peshawar Zalmi, Lahore, 2024
Mohammad Ali fights with Mark Chapman
Amid the thrilling contest, a tense moment unfolded between Mohammad Ali and Mark Chapman during the 16th over. After delivering a sharp length ball that beat Mark Chapman, Mohammad Ali exchanged words with the batter.
Chapman did not hold back and responded aggressively, leading to a brief verbal clash. The situation escalated quickly, with both players pointing fingers and arguing. Teammates and umpires intervene to calm things down.
Mohammad Ali brings Rahul Dravid's name after the fight
After the match, Mohammad Ali addressed the situation and shifted focus to the team’s effort and mindset. Interestingly, he referenced Rahul Dravid to mention the importance of hard work.
Mohammad said, “As great Rahul Dravid says - Luck always comes to those who really work hard.”
With this victory, Hyderabad Kingsmen have now reached the PSL 2026 final, where they will face Peshawar Zalmi on May 3 at the same venue.
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