An outstanding all-round performance by Aaron Hardie guided Peshawar Zalmi to a five-wicket victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the final of the Pakistan Super League 11 at a packed Gaddafi Stadium, as Babar Azam’s side lifted their second title after 2017.
A record crowd of 32,461 — the highest in PSL history — witnessed Hardie deliver a match-winning display. The all-rounder returned figures of four for 27, the second-best in a PSL final, to bowl out Hyderabad Kingsmen for 129 in 18 overs before anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls.
Opting to bowl first, Zalmi made early inroads as Maaz Sadaqat fell cheaply. However, Hyderabad skipper Marnus Labuschagne counterattacked with a brisk 20 off 12 deliveries, helping his side race to 69 for two in the powerplay.
The momentum shifted dramatically thereafter as Zalmi’s bowlers triggered a collapse. Saim Ayub stood firm with a fighting 54 off 50 balls, but received little support as Hyderabad slumped from 71 for two to 73 for six within a span of two runs. Hardie returned to clean up the tail, while Nahid Rana chipped in with two for 22.
Chasing 130, Zalmi were jolted early by Mohammad Ali, who removed both Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam in the opening over, reducing the side to 7 for two.
Hardie then steadied the innings, first rebuilding cautiously before launching a decisive counterattack. Alongside Abdul Samad, he stitched together an 85-run fifth-wicket partnership that effectively sealed the contest. Samad contributed a quickfire 48 off 34 balls, while Hardie remained unbeaten to guide the team home with 28 balls to spare, finishing the match in the company of Farhan Yousaf.
Tournament Honours:
Babar Azam finished as the leading run-scorer with 588 runs, securing the Hanif Mohammad Cap.
Sufyan Moqim claimed the Fazal Mahmood Cap with 22 wickets and was also named Player of the Tournament.
Kusal Mendis was adjudged the best wicketkeeper, while Shadab Khan took home the all-rounder award.
Emerging player honours went to Hunain Shah, while Farhan Yousaf was named the best fielder. Hyderabad Kingsmen received the Spirit of Cricket award.
Scores in Brief:
Final: Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets
Hyderabad Kingsmen 129 all out, 18 overs (Saim Ayub 54, Marnus Labuschagne 20; Aaron Hardie 4-27)
Peshawar Zalmi 130-5, 15.2 overs (Aaron Hardie 56*, Abdul Samad 48; Mohammad Ali 3-38)
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