LAHORE: Fast bowler Hunain Shah, the hero of Hyderabad Kingsmen’s thrilling victory over Islamabad United in Eliminator-2 of the HBL Pakistan Super League, says that there was no specific talk with captain Marnus Labuschagne before the speedster delivered the very last over to give his team a jaw-dropping two-run win here at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Right-armer Hunain in a near-miracle — as United required six off the final six balls to overhaul 186-5 — bowled one of the best overs of his life, conceding only three runs besides claiming a wicket to steer PSL debutants Kingsmen to the all-important final.
“The only plan was to bowl all yorkers in that over but with a correct line. Thank God I was able to play my role in my team’s victory at that vital moment in this crucial match,” Hunain said in his post-match media conference on Friday night.
“While my yorkers proved effective, our fielders also did a fine job during the match,” he added.
“I thank the fans also who always boost our morale in these thrilling matches,” the 22-year-old said adding
He continued, “As I am playing this PSL after a rehab due to injury, I had to work extremely hard to be able to compete.
“[My brother] Naseem Shah guided me on how to come out from the pressure of bad performances.”
Meanwhile, United skipper Shadab Khan said no special message was conveyed to all-rounder Faheem Ashraf from the team management before Hunain bowled the final over of the match.
Faheem and Chris Green were at the crease when Hunain bowled the last over.
“I have no words to sum up my emotions about the defeat, no one can explain it,” Shadab said. “Yes, good luck to Hunain who has struggled for quite a while due to his fitness issues. He came back strongly to produce a match-winning performance.”
Commenting on United’s show in PSL-11, Shadab said that they needed to improve bowling, particularly in death overs.
According to Shadab, his spinners remained very much economical in Eliminator-2 but did not complete their quota of overs because he reckoned Kingsmen’s batter Usman Khan would handle spinners well.
Defending his decision to bowl first in Eliminator-2, Shadab said that the ball was gripping in the beginning that caused problems for batters.
Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2026
