Hyderabad Kingsmen pacer Mohammad Ali gave a Rahul Dravid reference after the franchise recorded a thrilling win over Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League 2026. The Kingsmen rode on Usman Khan’s 30-ball 61 with ten boundaries to defeat the United by a narrow margin of two runs to secure a PSL 2026 berth against Peshawar Zalmi.
After the game, Ali, who picked two crucial wickets of Haider Ali and Mohsin Riaz, gave a surprising Rahul Dravid reference while speaking about the win.
Ali credited the former Indian batter and coach Rahul Dravid for the team’s mindset and perseverance. He said, “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 added, “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.
Hyderabad Kingsmen secure PSL 2026 Final berth against Peshawar Zalmi
Notably, the thrilling Eliminator encounter between the Kingsmen and the Zalmi saw the former post a competitive total of 186/5, riding off a staggering 61 off 30 balls from Usman Khan. Apart from him, skipper Marnus Labuschagne, Saim Ayub and Kusal Perera made valuable contributions of 39, 38, and 37 runs, respectively. In return, the United fought hard with Mark Chapman’s 26-ball 43, while Haider Ali and Devon Conway added 31 and 30 runs, respectively.
However, the bowling attack of Hyderabad, featuring stars like Ali and Hunain Shah did a good job. While they both picked two wickets each, Akif Javed, Hassan Khan and Ayub came up with one wicket each. In the final clash of the season, the Kingsmen will now lock horns with the Zalmi at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday, May 3.