LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi secured their second Pakistan Super League title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the PSL 11 final at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.
In a match dominated by bowlers and marked by dramatic swings, Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie delivered a match-winning performance, guiding Zalmi home after a shaky start. Hardie claimed four wickets and later anchored the chase with an unbeaten 56, earning the Player of the Match award.
Zalmi’s triumph marks their second PSL crown since their maiden victory in 2017, while Kingsmen fell short in their debut season despite a remarkable run to the final.
The contest began with Zalmi skipper Babar Azam opting to field first — a decision that paid off as Kingsmen were restricted to a modest 129 in 18 overs. Hardie led the bowling attack with figures of 4-27, supported by Nahid Rana (2-22) and Sufiyan Muqeem, who also finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps and was named Player of the Tournament.
Kingsmen initially looked strong, reaching 69-2 during the powerplay, thanks to Saim Ayub and captain Marnus Labuschagne. However, a dramatic middle-order collapse saw them lose five wickets for just 19 runs, derailing their innings.
Saim fought a lone battle, scoring 54 off 50 balls, but lacked support as wickets fell regularly at the other end. The Kingsmen were eventually bowled out for 129.
Chasing a modest target, Zalmi suffered an early collapse, losing Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris in the opening over. Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell also fell cheaply, leaving Zalmi struggling at 40-4.
However, Hardie and Abdul Samad steadied the innings with a crucial 85-run partnership. Samad’s explosive 48 off 34 balls, featuring four sixes, shifted momentum decisively in Zalmi’s favour.
After Samad’s dismissal, Zalmi needed just a handful of runs, which were comfortably chased down in 15.2 overs, sealing a memorable victory.
Despite the lack of big contributions from star players like Glenn Maxwell and Kusal Perera, the final delivered high drama and excitement for a packed stadium.
Zalmi’s consistent performance throughout the tournament — losing just one match — underlined their dominance, while Kingsmen’s journey to the final in their debut season remains a significant achievement.
