On Friday, Islamabad made it to the playoffs of the PSL 2026, after a dominant win over Hyderabad Kingsmen, by 8 wickets. After bundling out the opposition for only 80, Islamabad achieved the target in only the 7th over, to become the third team after Peshawar and Multan to progress. This essentially means, Lahore Qalandars, Hyderabad, and Karachi Kings are left to fight for the last spot, tied on 8 points each, and only a match to go.
Islamabad Untied too good for Hyderabad
It was just a one-sided match where Islamabad were too good on the day. In fact, it was their bowling, who took the team to the playoffs, in a sweet fashion. Richard Gleeson produced figures of 3/9, while Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim came up with three wickets each, to end the match soon. Usman Khan top-scored for HYD, as all the others failed miserably.
Come the chase, Sameer Minhas (27) and Mohsin Riaz (42), ensured that Islamabad ended the match soon.
PSL 2026 qualification scenarios
Lahore Qalandars: Lahore have a tough match coming up against table-toppers Peshawar, and in order to qualify, they will have win for sure. If they lose, the would have to hope, that Hyderabad and Karachi also lose their matches; in that scenario, it will come to the NRR.
Remaining match: vs Peshawar Zalmi on April 25
Hyderabad Kingsmen: After three back-to-back wins, they came up with a pathetic performance against Islamabad. Now, just like Lahore, they will have to win their last match against Pindiz. If not, they will have to hope against hope, that other teams in contention lose their matches, and then it will be battle of the NRRs.
Remaining match: vs Rawalpindiz on April 26
Karachi Kings: Win and qualify, is their only chance. If they lose, they will battle in the race of NRR. There too they have minimal chances on account of poor NRR.
Remaining match: vs Quetta Gladiators on April 25
Quetta Gladiators: They aren’t out of the tournament as yet. And with only 6 points, they need to have a massive win in their last match, and hope all the other teams in fray lose. Or else, it will be curtains for them.
Remaining match: vs Karachi Kings on April 25
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