LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious in the final of the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen in a dominant performance at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi comfortably reached the total in just 15 overs, losing five wickets along the way.
Aaron Hardie led the charge with an unbeaten 56, while Abdul Samad added a valuable 48 to steer the team home. Farhan Yousuf remained not out at the end.
The chase wasn’t without early hiccups, as Kusal Mendis, Mohammad Haris, Michael Bracewell, and skipper Babar Azam fell cheaply. However, the middle-order partnership ensured there were no further surprises.
Earlier, Zalmi’s bowlers set the tone by restricting Kingsmen to 129 in 18 overs after opting to field first. Captain Babar Azam made the right call, as his side struck early to put the opposition on the back foot.
Kingsmen lost opener Maaz Sadaqat in the second over, before Marnus Labuschagne and Saim Ayub attempted to stabilize the innings with a quick partnership.
Labuschagne scored a brisk 20 before being dismissed by Hardie, halting momentum.
A dramatic collapse followed as wickets tumbled rapidly. Usman Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Kusal Perera, and Hassan Khan all departed cheaply, leaving the Kingsmen reeling at 73 for six within eight overs.
Amid the collapse, Saim Ayub stood firm, crafting a steady 54 off 50 balls. He received brief support from Hunain Shah, but the innings lacked the acceleration needed for a competitive total.
Zalmi’s bowling unit remained disciplined throughout. Hardie delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets for 27 runs. Nahid Rana chipped in with two wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit picked up one each.
Sharp fielding further dented Kingsmen’s chances, with two direct run-outs adding to their woes. The combined effort ensured Zalmi stayed in control from start to finish, sealing a comprehensive title win.
Playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousuf, Michael Bracewell, Aaron Hardie, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Nahid Rana, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit.
Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan (wk), Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Niazi, Hassan Khan, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed.
