Peshawar Zalmi were crowned PSL 2026 champions after defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets, with Aaron Hardie delivering a match-winning all-round performance. His figures of 4 for 27 restricted Kingsmen to 129, before his unbeaten 56 off 39 guided Zalmi to victory despite early setbacks in the chase.
The triumph marks Zalmi’s second PSL title, adding to their 2017 success, and makes them only the third team to win multiple championships after Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars.
Kingsmen Collapse After Promising Start
Hyderabad Kingsmen entered the final on the back of a remarkable turnaround, having reached the playoffs despite losing their first four matches and winning seven of their last eight. However, they fell short in the final, registering the lowest first-innings total in a PSL final.
After opting to bowl, Zalmi capitalised on a collapse in the Kingsmen middle order. From a steady 69 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, Kingsmen lost four wickets for just two runs in eight balls, including two run-outs.
The slide began when Sufiyan Muqeem dismissed Usman Khan lbw. A mix-up between Saim Ayub and Irfan Khan led to another wicket, followed immediately by Glenn Maxwell’s dismissal. Michael Bracewell’s direct hit then accounted for Kusal Perera, with the third umpire ruling it a fair dismissal despite brief on-field discussions.
Ayub’s Fifty Provides Resistance
Saim Ayub was the standout performer for Kingsmen, scoring 54 off 50 balls after arriving early in the innings. He initially attacked, racing to 30 off 14 deliveries and adding 35 runs for the second wicket with Marnus Labuschagne, who made 20 off 12.
Ayub adjusted his approach after the collapse but found limited support, with partnerships failing to develop. The longest stand lasted 24 balls, coming with Hunain Shah for the eighth wicket. Hardie struck twice in the 18th over, dismissing Ayub and Akif Javed to complete his four-wicket haul.
Early Strikes Trouble Zalmi
Kingsmen began their defence strongly, with Mohammad Ali removing Babar Azam and Mohammad Haris in the opening over. Hunain Shah then dismissed Kusal Mendis, while Akif Javed accounted for Bracewell, leaving Zalmi struggling at 40 for 4.
Hardie and Samad Turn the Match
Hardie responded with an aggressive counterattack, hitting Hunain Shah for three boundaries to help Zalmi reach 53 in the powerplay. He then combined with Abdul Samad for a crucial 85-run partnership that shifted momentum.
Samad contributed 48 off 34 balls, while Hardie anchored the chase, rotating strike and finding boundaries when needed. Their partnership steadily took the game away from Kingsmen.
Zalmi Seal Title
As the target drew closer, Samad accelerated, hitting Mohammad Ali for a six and a four before falling while attempting another big shot with five runs required. Zalmi completed the chase in the following over when Farhan Yousuf guided a delivery from Hunain Shah to the fine leg boundary.
Hardie’s all-round display proved decisive, as Zalmi secured the title with a composed chase after a disciplined bowling performance.
