Young pacer delivers a yorker masterclass to seal a dramatic two-run win for Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL eliminator

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In one of the most nerve-wracking finishes in Pakistan Super League history, 22-year-old Hunain Shah held his nerve to defend just five runs in the final over, guiding Hyderabad Kingsmen to a thrilling two-run victory over Islamabad United in the eliminator.

Speaking after the match, Hunain revealed the simplicity behind his approach. “We had one plan, bowl six yorkers. We kept it simple. We had to save six runs, and the idea was to adjust the line but stick to yorkers,” he said.

When Kingsmen captain Marnus Labuschagne handed Hunain the ball for the final over, the pressure was immense. Islamabad United needed just six runs, and the game seemed all but over. Although the first delivery wasn’t a yorker, Hunain quickly corrected his length and delivered five consecutive pinpoint yorkers, varying his line cleverly against batters like Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim to deny them scoring opportunities. His accuracy and composure flipped the momentum completely.

Hunain credited his heroics to rigorous preparation. Over the past six months, he focused heavily on improving his death bowling, even dedicating an entire week to practicing yorkers. That preparation paid off under pressure, especially after a painful earlier outing against Peshawar Zalmi, where he failed to defend runs in the final over. Reflecting on that moment, Hunain admitted it was a learning experience that strengthened his resolve.

The victory sets up a high-stakes final against Peshawar Zalmi, the same team that had previously denied him. With Zalmi boasting top performers like Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis, the challenge will be tough. However, Hunain believes Kingsmen’s biggest strength is their collective effort, with different players stepping up in every match, making them unpredictable and difficult to plan against.

As the final ball sealed the win, emotions took over. Labuschagne ran across the field to embrace Hunain, celebrating a remarkable turnaround. For the young pacer, belief and clarity were key. He trusted his preparation, committed to his plan, and executed it perfectly—delivering one of the most memorable final overs in PSL history.