Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen in the PSL 11 final at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. The team lifted their second title and ended a nine year wait for the trophy. Consequently, Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen to secure their first PSL crown since 2017. The win also handed Babar Azam his first major title as captain. Chasing 130, Zalmi reached the target with five wickets down and 28 balls to spare. However, the run chase got off to a poor start.

Mohammad Ali struck twice in the opening over. He removed Mohammad Haris for six and then dismissed Babar for a duck. Therefore, Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen despite facing early pressure at 40 for 4. Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad then turned the game around with a crucial 85 run stand. Samad played an aggressive hand with 48 off 34 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. Hardie stayed unbeaten till the end and finished with 56 off 39 deliveries.

Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to bowl first proved decisive. They dismissed Hyderabad Kingsmen for 129 in 18 overs. Hardie was outstanding with the ball as well, finishing with 4 for 27 in four overs. Nahid Rana took two wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit claimed one each. Consequently, Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen through a complete team performance. Saim Ayub top scored for Hyderabad with 54 off 50 balls, but he did not get enough support from the rest of the batting lineup.

Hardie emerged as the difference maker with both bat and ball. His all round performance secured Zalmi’s victory. The team celebrated their second PSL title while Hyderabad walked away as runners up in their debut season.