Hyderabad Kingsmen booked their place in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 11 final for the first time, defeating Islamabad United by two runs in a last-over thriller in the second eliminator at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Chasing 187, Islamabad United fell just short, finishing on 184 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Earlier, Islamabad captain Shadab Khan won the toss and opted to field, saying the team that handled pressure better would win. He added that despite their qualifier loss, the side remained confident and focused on improving in the powerplay, with no changes to the lineup.

Batting first, Hyderabad Kingsmen posted 186 for 5, powered by a 101-run partnership between Usman Khan and Kusal Perera.

Wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan led the charge with an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, hitting 10 fours. Perera contributed 37, while captain Marnus Labuschagne added 39 and Saim Ayub scored 38. Glenn Maxwell managed 3, while Moaz Sadaqat was dismissed without scoring.

For Islamabad, Imad Wasim took two wickets, while Chris Green, Richard Gleeson and Faheem Ashraf claimed one each.

In reply, Islamabad’s innings was anchored by Mark Chapman, who scored 43. Haider Ali made 31, Devon Conway added 30, while Shadab Khan scored 22. Faheem Ashraf contributed 19, with Sameer Minhas (6) and Mohsin Riaz (5) also falling short. Chris Green (21*) and Imad Wasim (1*) remained unbeaten.

Fast bowler Hanan Shah held his nerve in the final over, successfully defending six runs to seal victory and send Hyderabad into the final.

Hanan Shah and Mohammad Ali picked up two wickets each, while Hassan Khan, Saim Ayub and Akif Javed took one apiece.

Hyderabad captain Labuschagne said his side would also have preferred to bowl first but was prepared for all conditions, adding that the pitch looked good for batting and the team entered the match with high energy.

The two teams had split their previous two meetings this season, making the knockout clash evenly poised.

Islamabad entered the match with mixed form, winning three of their last five games but suffering a heavy 70-run defeat to Peshawar Zalmi in the qualifier.

Hyderabad, in contrast, came in strong form, winning four of their last five matches. They defeated Multan Sultans by eight wickets in Eliminator 1 and earlier beat Rawalpindi by 108 runs to secure a playoff spot. Their only recent loss had come against Islamabad, adding further intensity to the rematch.

The final will be played on Sunday in Lahore between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Peshawar Zalmi.