LAHORE - Peshawar Zalmi delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final and lift the HBL PSL 11 trophy at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Sunday night. Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi recovered from an early collapse to reach 130-5 in 15.2 overs, thanks to a match-winning partnership between Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad.
Early Collapse and Recovery
The chase began dramatically as Mohammad Ali struck twice in the opening over, removing Mohammad Haris and captain Babar Azam to leave Zalmi reeling at 7-2. The pressure mounted when Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell departed cheaply, reducing the side to 40-4. However, Hardie anchored the innings with composure, crafting an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls, laced with nine boundaries. He found a perfect ally in Samad, who counterattacked with a fluent 48 from 34 deliveries, including four towering sixes. Their decisive 85-run stand turned the tide and effectively sealed the contest before Samad's dismissal in the 15th over.
Kingsmen's Innings Falter
Earlier, Kingsmen's innings faltered despite a fighting half-century from Saim Ayub, who scored 54 off 50 balls. The innings began briskly, with Marnus Labuschagne contributing a quick 20, but momentum slipped once Hardie entered the attack. He dismantled the batting lineup with figures of 4-27, triggering a dramatic collapse that saw Kingsmen tumble from 51-1 to 73-6 in quick succession. Key players including Glenn Maxwell and Kusal Perera fell cheaply, while disciplined spells from Nahid Rana and Sufyan Moqim ensured there was no late recovery.
Victory and Milestones
Bundled out for 129 in 18 overs, Kingsmen were left with too little to defend despite Ali's three-wicket haul. The victory marks Zalmi's second PSL title and their first since 2017, ending a nine-year wait. It also represents a significant milestone for captain Babar Azam, who lifts his maiden major T20 trophy as a skipper. Meanwhile, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised cricket fans for their remarkable discipline and enthusiasm during the final. "I am deeply impressed by the love for cricket shown by the lively Lahorites," Naqvi said, adding that fans wholeheartedly supported both teams and thoroughly enjoyed the game. "People of Lahore have once again proven their deep and passionate attachment to cricket."
Scores in Brief
- PESHAWAR ZALMI 130-5, 15.2 overs (Aaron Hardie 56*, Abdul Samad 48; M Ali 3-38) beat HYDERABAD KINGSMEN 129 all out, 18 overs (Saim Ayub 54; Hardie 4-27, Nahid Rana 2-22) by 5 wickets.
