• By Sports desk
  • Sat, 02 May 2026 03:21 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Ali recalled cricketing legend Rahul Dravid's coaching philosophy after Hyderabad Kingsmen registered a nail-biting win against Islamabad United in the second Eliminator of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026.

Batting first, Hyderabad put up a strong total of 186/5 in 20 overs. Usman Khan was the pick of the bowlers with a quick 61 off just 30 balls. While chasing, Islamabad United gave a tough fight but fell just short, finishing on 184/7 and losing the match by two runs. With this win, Marnus Labuschagne and his team secured a place in the PSL 2026 final, where they will take on Peshawar Zalmi on April 3. 

ALSO READ: 'It Was A Big Moment...': Former MI Speedster Backs Underfire Kyle Jamieson Over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Incident

How Rahul Dravid's philosophy recalled in PSL 2026

After the close finish, Hyderabad pacer Mohammad Ali, who took two wickets, won praise for his honest and emotional post-match comments. He spoke about the team’s belief and credited former India head coach Rahul Dravid for shaping their mindset.

"It's very difficult to put this moment into words. I'm completely speechless after bowling such a poor over. All the credit goes to Hunain-the way he bowled the final over, kept his composure, and held his nerve till the last ball was outstanding. I was a bit down after my over, but I always believed in him because of how brilliantly he has bowled throughout the tournament," Ali said.

ALSO READ: 'Don’t Think I’ll Ever Be So Fearful Of A 15-Year-Old Kid...': Kyle Jamieson’s Honest Take On Facing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

"Well, I'm really proud of him because the game in which he bowled the last over against Peshawar Zalmi, he had to save 14 runs, but he was unable to save those 14 runs. And today, I think that it's his hard work and the great Rahul Dravid says that luck always comes to those who really work hard," he added.

How Hyderabad Kingsmen defeated Islamabad United

Earlier, captain Labuschagne scored 39 and Saim Ayub made 38 to help Hyderabad reach a competitive total. Imad Wasim was the best bowler for Islamabad with two wickets.

During the chase, Mark Chapman played a quick innings of 43 off 26 balls, while Haider Ali added 31 off 16. But Hyderabad’s bowlers held their nerve in the end, with Mohammad Ali and Hunain Shah taking two wickets each to seal a memorable two-run win.

Explore Related Topics

India

Also In News