Peshawar Zalmi are the champions of the Pakistan Super League 2026. On Sunday, May 3, Babar Azam’s side defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the PSL 2026 final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, claiming their second title — nine years after their first.
Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie was the standout performer, delivering a brilliant all-round display that thoroughly deserved the Player of the Match award.
PSL 2026 Final: Quick Match Summary
- Match: Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Peshawar Zalmi — PSL 2026 Final
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Date: May 3, 2026
- Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 5 wickets (with 28 balls remaining)
- Player of the Match: Aaron Hardie (4/24 & 55*)
Hyderabad Kingsmen Batting: Saim Ayub Fights But Hardie Takes Over
Peshawar Zalmi won the toss and elected to bowl first — a decision that paid off immediately.
Hyderabad Kingsmen made a decent start in the powerplay, reaching 69/2. Saim Ayub led the charge with an aggressive knock of 54 off 50 balls, and captain Marnus Labuschagne contributed 20 before Aaron Hardie had him caught.
What followed was a stunning collapse. Hyderabad tumbled from 71/2 to 90/7, losing five wickets for just 19 runs. Hardie was at the heart of the destruction, claiming four wickets for just 24 runs in a devastating spell. Nahid Rana added to the pressure with figures of 2/22, and Hyderabad were eventually bowled out for 129 in 18 overs — a total well below par on the Gaddafi pitch.
Peshawar Zalmi Chase: Wobble, Then Hardie to the Rescue
Chasing just 130, Zalmi’s chase looked nervy early on. Mohammad Haris fell for 6 in the first over, and captain Babar Azam was dismissed for a golden duck off Mohammad Ali in the very next ball — a huge blow to the team.
Kusal Mendis (9) and Michael Bracewell (4) also departed cheaply, leaving Zalmi in trouble at 40/4.
That’s when Aaron Hardie, who had already taken four wickets, walked in and took full control. He and Abdul Samad built a match-winning partnership, rotating the strike and finding boundaries at the right moments. Hardie completed a composed half-century off just 35 balls, while Samad contributed a vital 48 off 34 balls before falling to Mohammad Ali in the 15th over.
With five runs still needed, Farhan Yousaf came in and finished the job with a boundary, sealing the win with ease. Zalmi crossed the line at 130/5 in just 15.2 overs — 28 balls to spare.
A Dominant Campaign From Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi were the standout team of PSL 2026 throughout the season. They won eight of their ten league matches, lost just one, and had one game washed out. They topped the points table comfortably and carried that momentum all the way to the title.
Babar Azam was exceptional with the bat during the tournament, finishing as the joint-highest run-scorer in a single PSL season with 588 runs — matching Fakhar Zaman’s record.
Hyderabad Kingsmen: A Debut Season to Be Proud Of
For Hyderabad Kingsmen, it was a maiden PSL season full of drama and comeback wins. Captained by Marnus Labuschagne, the side defied the odds multiple times to reach the final. Although they fell short in the big game, their debut campaign will be remembered fondly by their supporters.
Final Scorecard Snapshot
Hyderabad Kingsmen: 129 all out in 18 overs
- Saim Ayub: 54 (50)
- Marnus Labuschagne: 20
- Aaron Hardie: 4/24
- Nahid Rana: 2/22
Peshawar Zalmi: 130/5 in 15.2 overs
- Aaron Hardie: 55* (not out)
- Abdul Samad: 48 (34)
- Mohammad Ali (HHK): 2 wickets
The PSL 2026 final was a night that belonged entirely to Aaron Hardie. His disciplined bowling dismantled the Kingsmen’s innings, and his composed batting under pressure sealed the chase. Peshawar Zalmi are worthy champions, and their second PSL title — nine years in the making — was fully deserved.
