In a nail-biting finale at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Peshawar Zalmi triumphed over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 final to claim their second championship title, ending a nine-year drought for the coveted trophy. The victory marked Zalmi’s first PSL title since 2017 and also marked a significant milestone for Babar Azam, who secured his first major title as captain. Chasing a target of 130, Zalmi successfully reached the mark with five wickets remaining and 28 balls to spare, but their run chase got off to a shaky start when Mohammad Ali struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Mohammad Haris for six and Babar for a duck. Kusal Mendis and Aaron Hardie attempted to stabilize the innings, but Mendis fell for nine after adding 26 runs with the Australian all-rounder. Michael Bracewell also departed cheaply, leaving Zalmi struggling at 40/4. However, Hardie and Abdul Samad turned the game around with a crucial 85-run partnership that firmly put Zalmi in control. Samad played an aggressive role, scoring 48 off 34 deliveries, including three fours and four sixes, before falling in the 15th over. Hardie remained unbeaten until the end, finishing with 56 off 39 deliveries, and striking nine boundaries to guide Zalmi to victory. For Hyderabad Kingsmen, Mohammad Ali stood out as the top bowler with 3/38, while Hunain Shah and Akif Javed picked up one wicket each. Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to bowl first proved decisive as they dismissed Hyderabad Kingsmen for 129 in 18 overs. The Kingsmen suffered an early setback when Maaz Sadaqat was dismissed, but Marnus Labuschagne and Saim Ayub kept the innings moving with a quick partnership. Labuschagne made 20 off 12 deliveries before being removed by Aaron Hardie in the fifth over. Usman Khan could only manage eight runs, and Hyderabad then suffered a collapse that severely impacted their chances. They lost three more wickets in the space of eight deliveries, including two run-outs, and slipped to 73/6. Saim Ayub attempted to hold the innings together, top-scoring with 54 off 50 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes, but he did not receive sufficient support from the rest of the batting line-up. Hardie was outstanding with the ball as well, finishing with 4/27 in four overs. Nahid Rana took two wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit claimed one each. With outstanding performances in both batting and bowling, Aaron Hardie emerged as the key difference-maker as Peshawar Zalmi secured their second PSL title by defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen.
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