Peshawar Zalmi secured the PSL 11 title after beating Hyderabad Kingsmen by 5 wickets at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 130 set by Hyderabad Kingsmen, Peshawar Zalmi also made a disappointing start, losing their first four wickets for just 40 runs.
Zalmi lost their first wicket at 6, with Mohammad Haris dismissed for 6 runs. The second wicket fell at 7 when captain Babar Azam was caught behind for a duck while attempting an aggressive shot.
The third and fourth wickets fell at 33 and 40, respectively, with Kusal Mendis scoring 9 and Michael Bracewell adding 4 runs before being dismissed.
However, an unbeaten 56 from Aaron Hardie and a crucial 48 by Abdul Samad guided Zalmi to victory, securing their second PSL title.
Earlier, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for a modest 129 in 18 overs after being put to bat first. Zalmi captain Babar Azam’s decision proved effective as his bowlers kept pressure throughout. The Kingsmen made a shaky start, losing early wickets, but Saim Ayub steadied the innings with a patient knock.
However, a sudden collapse saw three wickets fall in quick succession, including two run-outs, leaving the side struggling at 73/6. Despite brief partnerships, the innings never fully recovered.
Saim remained the top-scorer with 54 off 50 balls. Aaron Hardie starred with the ball, taking 4/27, while Nahid Rana picked up two wickets.
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 and 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 and Akif Javed.
