LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets and lift the HBL PSL 11 trophy in a thrilling final at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night.Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi overcame an early setback to reach 130-5 in just 15.2 overs.
The innings began on a shaky note as Mohammad Ali struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Mohammad Haris and skipper Babar Azam to leave Zalmi struggling at 7-2. Further pressure mounted when Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell fell cheaply, reducing the side to 40-4.However, Aaron Hardie turned the game around with a composed unbeaten 56 off 39 balls, hitting nine boundaries. He was well supported by Abdul Samad, who played a crucial knock of 48 from 34 deliveries, including four sixes. The pair stitched together a decisive 85-run partnership that steered Zalmi to victory before Samad was dismissed late in the innings.Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen failed to capitalize on a promising start and were bowled out for 129 in 18 overs.
Saim Ayub top-scored with 54 off 50 balls, while Marnus Labuschagne chipped in with 20. The innings lost momentum after Hardie’s introduction, as he claimed 4-27 to trigger a middle-order collapse. Kingsmen slipped from 51-1 to 73-6, with key players including Glenn Maxwell and Kusal Perera departing cheaply.Nahid Rana and Sufyan Moqim maintained tight control with the ball to prevent any late recovery. Despite Mohammad Ali’s three-wicket haul, the total proved insufficient to challenge Zalmi.
The victory marks Peshawar Zalmi’s second PSL title and their first since 2017, ending a nine-year drought. It is also a landmark moment for captain Babar Azam, who secures his maiden major T20 trophy as skipper.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the crowd for their enthusiasm and discipline during the final, commending Lahore’s passionate support for the game.Scores in Brief:Peshawar Zalmi 130-5 (15.2 overs) — Aaron Hardie 56*, Abdul Samad 48; Mohammad Ali 3-38Hyderabad Kingsmen 129 all out (18 overs) — Saim Ayub 54; Aaron Hardie 4-27, Nahid Rana 2-22
