Pakistani pacer Mohammad Ali quoted legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid after Hyderabad Kingsmen defeated Islamabad United in a thrilling finish during Eliminator 2 in Lahore.
“Luck comes to those who work hard.” Mohammad Ali, quoting Rahul Dravid after the newly added franchise edged United in a tense encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The 33-year-old fast bowler directed those words at 22-year-old Hunain Shah, who defended six runs in the final over to seal a place for Hyderabad Kingsmen in the PSL 2026 final.
Mohammad Ali credited Shah entirely for the win, saying it was the hard work of the young pacer and composure that carried Hyderabad through the tense closing moments.
Ali also admitted personal disappointment at bowling a poor over himself, but said his belief in Shah never wavered throughout the high-pressure final stages.
Shah conceded only one run from his first three deliveries of the final over of the crucial match, with Islamabad United requiring six runs to win from six balls to qualify for PSL 2026 final.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf was dismissed for 19 off 11 balls, and Imad Wasim managed only a single from the fifth delivery, leaving Islamabad needing four off one.
Shah then bowled precisely to Chris Green, who scored just one run, ending hopes of the three-times champions of reaching PSL 11 final at the same venue.
Hyderabad Kingsmen will face Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2026 final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Sunday night following this narrow eliminator win.
Usman Khan top-scored for Hyderabad with an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, while Kusal Perera contributed 37 from 21 balls to help post 186 runs.
Marnus Labuschagne scored 39 and Saim Ayub made 38 from 27 balls, after Richard Gleeson removed Maaz Sadaqat for a duck in the fourth ball.
In reply, Mark Chapman top-scored for Islamabad with 43, while Haider Ali and Devon Conway contributed 31 and 30 runs respectively in the losing cause.
