Zalmi Crowned Champions as Hardie Delivers in Final
At the Gaddafi Stadium, Aaron Hardie delivered a match-defining all-round performance to steer Peshawar Zalmi to a five-wicket win over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Pakistan Super League 2026 Final.
Hardie first dismantled the Kingsmen with a four-wicket spell and then anchored the chase with a composed, unbeaten half-century, guiding Zalmi to their second PSL title. The triumph ended a long gap since their maiden success in 2017 under Darren Sammy and also marked a significant milestone for Babar Azam, who secured his first major trophy as captain.
Chasing a manageable 130, Zalmi’s innings began in chaos. Mohammad Ali struck twice in the opening over, removing both Mohammad Haris and Babar to leave the chase under early pressure. A brief recovery followed, but quick wickets reduced Zalmi to 40 for 4 inside five overs.
From that point, Hardie and Abdul Samad shifted the momentum. Their 85-run stand stabilized the innings and steadily took the game away from the Kingsmen. Samad’s aggressive 48 came to an end in the 15th over, but by then the target was well within reach. Hardie ensured there were no further complications, finishing unbeaten with 56 and seeing Zalmi home with plenty of deliveries remaining.
Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to bowl first proved decisive. The Kingsmen never quite settled after losing early wickets. Saim Ayub stood firm with a patient 54, while Marnus Labuschagne added a quick cameo. However, a sudden middle-order collapse, including multiple run-outs, derailed their innings and left them struggling at 73 for 6.
Late contributions failed to repair the damage, and the Kingsmen were eventually bowled out for 129. Hardie led the bowling charge, with strong support from Nahid Rana and Sufiyan Muqeem, ensuring Zalmi carried momentum into the chase and ultimately sealed a comprehensive title-clinching victory.
