The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 is in its final stages with Peshawar Zalmi already sealing a spot in the final. On Friday, Islamabad United will lock horns against Hyderabad Kingsmen at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the last finalists spot. While the Shadab Khan-led United are coming off 70-run defeat against the Zalmi’s in the Qualifier, the Hyderabad Kingsmen kept their competition alive with a 8-wicket win over Multan Sultans in the Eliminator 1.
Although Marnus Labuschagne & Co will be confident coming into this game, United too boast of a vast experience under their belt and will be looking to be in the final once again. While their head-to-head record stands well-balanced, it will be exciting to see who comes out on top to seal the final berth tonight.
IU vs HK, PSL 11 Eliminator 2 details
Match: Islamabad United and Hyderabad Kingsmen, Eliminator 2
Date: May 1, 2026 (Friday)
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Toss time: 7:00 pm (IST)
Match time: 7:30 pm (IST)
Why United are favourites to win Eliminator 2?
Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United are the most decorated team in PSL history. Boasting of a well-balanced squad, the Qualifier match might not have gone the United’s way, but they know their strategies and will look to seal the final berth. With Shadab Khan leading the side from the front with 17 wickets in 9 matches, along with Sameer Minhas, who has been their top run-getter this season, they will look to reign supreme over the Kingsmen.
The Marnus Labuschagne-led Hyderabad Kingsmen although have had a mixed season in PSL 2026, but registered a comfortable 8-wicket win against Multan Sultans to setup a clash against United while they eye their maiden title on debut season. Maaz Sadaqat and Usman Khan played brilliant innings to help chase the total in 15.2 overs and keep their hopes alive.
IU vs HK Head-to-Head record
| Matches Played | 2 |
| Won by Islamabad United | 1 |
| Won by Hyderabad Kingsmen | 1 |
| Tied/ No Results | 0/0 |
How have IU, HK fared in last 5 matches?
| Islamabad United | Hyderabad Kingsmen |
| Lost to PZ by 70 runs | Won against MS by 8 wickets |
| Won against MS by 4 wickets | Won against RP by 108 runs |
| Won over HK by 8 wickets | Lost to IU by 8 wickets |
| Lost to RP by 6 wickets | Won against MS by 4 wickets |
| Won against KK by 8 wickets | Won over RP by 5 wickets |
IU vs HK predicted playing XIs
Islamabad United: Devon Conway (WK), Sameer Minhas, Mohsin Riaz, Shadab Khan (C), Mark Chapman, Haider Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Richard Gleeson.
Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (C), Usman Khan (WK), Saim Ayub, Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Hassan Khan, Irfan Khan, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed.
Players to watch out for
| Islamabad United | Hyderabad Kingsmen | ||
| Player | Stats | Player | Stats |
| Sameer Minhas | 10 matches | 343 runs | 155.90 strike rate | Usman Khan | 11 innings | 320 runs | 157.63 strike rate |
| Devon Conway | 10 matches | 285 runs | 130.13 strike rate | Marnus Labuschagne | 11 matches | 285 runs | 129.54 strike rate |
| Shadab Khan | 9 matches | 17 wickets | 6.96 economy | Mohammad Ali | 10 matches | 15 wickets | 7.95 economy |
Gadaffi Stadium pitch report
The Gaddafi Stadium of Lahore is usually known to assist batters, but it has seen a balanced contests between the bat and ball in PSL 2026. However, new-ball has also offered some rhythm in the games, but the captain winning the toss will be looking to bowl first as last five games played at this venue in PSL 2026 have been won by chasing teams.
Who will win IU vs HK, PSL 11 Eliminator 2?
Although both teams have fought their way into the PSL 2026 playoffs and their head-to-head record also stands even-stevens with both teams winning a game each. But the Shadab Khan & Co will walk in with a slight edge, boasting of a well-balanced side with their key core members available and also the experience.
Prediction: Islamabad United to win the contest.
