By Staff Reporter
LAHORE – Peshawar Zalmi secured the Pakistan Super League Season 11 title after defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen in a convincing final at Gaddafi Stadium.
Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi reached the total comfortably in the 15th over despite losing five wickets. Aaron Hardie led the charge with an unbeaten 56, while Abdul Samad played a crucial supporting role with 48 runs. Farhan Yousuf remained not out on 4 as Zalmi sealed the victory with ease.
The chase wasn’t entirely smooth early on, as Zalmi lost a few quick wickets. Kushal Mendis, Mohammad Haris, Michael Bracewell, and captain Babar Azam all fell cheaply, putting some pressure on the middle order. However, Hardie and Samad stabilized the innings and guided the team home.
Earlier, Zalmi’s bowlers set up the win with a disciplined performance, restricting Kingsmen to just 129 in 18 overs after opting to field first. Early breakthroughs and sharp fielding kept the opposition under constant pressure.
Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled from the start. Maaz Sadaqat fell early, and although Saim Ayub and captain Marnus Labuschagne added a quick 35-run partnership, the innings lost momentum after Labuschagne’s dismissal. A dramatic collapse followed, with multiple wickets—including two run-outs—falling in quick succession.
Saim Ayub stood out with a steady 54 off 50 balls, anchoring the innings, but lacked support from the other end as wickets kept tumbling. The Kingsmen were eventually bowled out for 129, a total that proved insufficient in the final.
Aaron Hardie starred with the ball as well, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs. Nahid Rana chipped in with two wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit picked up one each. Zalmi’s sharp fielding, including two direct run-outs, further dented Kingsmen’s chances.
With a complete all-round performance, Peshawar Zalmi capped off their campaign by lifting the PSL 11 trophy in style.
