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Abdullah Zahid
LAHORE: “Who will be the fourth team in PSL 11 playoff matches?” has become the defining question as the tournament enters a final phase following Islamabad United’s latest win.
Islamabad United secured their place in the playoffs after defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen, taking their tally to 11 points and cementing a top-four finish. The victory has intensified the race among the remaining teams competing for the final playoff spot.
Hyderabad Kingsmen suffered a major setback after being bowled out for just 80 runs, a result that significantly dented their net run rate and pushed them down to fifth position. The outcome opened the door for Lahore Qalandars to strengthen their hold on fourth place.
HBL PSL 2026 POINTS TABLE
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | No Result | Aban | Bonus Pts | Points | Net RR |
| Peshawar Zalmi | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 2.645 |
| Multan Sultans | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0.450 |
| Islamabad United | 9 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 1.766 |
| Lahore Qalandars | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | -0.558 |
| Hyderabad Kingsmen | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | -1.037 |
| Karachi Kings | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | -1.063 |
| Quetta Gladiators | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -0.355 |
| Rawalpindiz | 9 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -1.330 |
The points table has now tightened, with Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, and Hyderabad Kingsmen all tied on 8 points. The three sides remain strong contenders for the last playoff berth, making the final round of matches.
Speaking after the match, Hyderabad Kingsmen captain Sohail Tanvir admitted the team failed to perform as a unit, which proved costly. He said lapses under pressure led to the disappointing result.
Team management figure Jason Gillespie also acknowledged that while the pitch conditions were understood, the team did not adapt accordingly, resulting in a low total and defeat.
At this stage of the tournament, wins alone may not be enough. Teams must also improve their net run rate, which could ultimately determine qualification if points remain level.
Hyderabad Kingsmen may hold a slight scheduling advantage, as their final match will be played after Lahore and Karachi complete theirs, allowing them to calculate the exact margin needed.
Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators are still in contention with 6 points and a crucial final match against Karachi Kings. A win, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could bring them level with other teams and complicate the standings further.
There remains a possibility that four teams could finish with 8 points each, in which case net run rate will decide the final playoff position. This scenario has made every remaining match critical.
As PSL 11 approaches its final stage, pressure continues to mount on all contenders. Islamabad United’s qualification has secured their position, but it has also set the stage for a fiercely contested battle to determine the fourth playoff team.
