Aaron Hardie’s all-round performance led Peshawar Zalmi to a dramatic victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the PSL final on May 3, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium. This win secured Peshawar Zalmi’s second title after a nine-year wait.
Peshawar Zalmi entered the final with high expectations. They aimed to reclaim the title they last won in 2017. Yet, they faced a strong challenge from Hyderabad Kingsmen, who had performed well throughout the tournament.
The decisive moment came when Peshawar Zalmi chased down a target of 130 runs. They scored 130 for 5 in just 15.2 overs. In contrast, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 129 runs in 18 overs.
Aaron Hardie was instrumental in this victory. He took 4 wickets for 27 runs and scored an unbeaten 56 runs. His all-round performance proved crucial for Peshawar Zalmi.
Hyderabad Kingsmen’s top scorer was Saim Ayub, who managed to score 54 runs. However, their innings fell short against a solid bowling attack from Peshawar Zalmi.
Babar Azam, captain of Peshawar Zalmi, faced an unfortunate dismissal for a golden duck. Despite this setback, his team rallied and secured the win.
Key statistics from the final:
- Peshawar Zalmi won their second PSL title by defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen.
- Peshawar Zalmi chased down a target of 130 runs in 15.2 overs.
- Aaron Hardie took 4 wickets and scored 56 not out.
Marnus Labuschagne reflected on the tournament, stating, “Tonight hurts. But reflecting on what an amazing tournament we’ve put together…” This sentiment highlights the competitive nature of the PSL.
Peshawar Zalmi’s victory marks a significant achievement for the franchise and its supporters. The team looks forward to building on this success in future seasons.
