PSL 2026 Final is officially confirmed — and the road to May 3 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Two dramatic knockout matches, a debut franchise defying all odds, and one of the most thrilling two-run victories in PSL history have set the stage for a blockbuster final at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Here is everything that happened — and everything you need to know about the title clash.
PSL 2026 Playoff Summary
Match | Teams | Result | Venue | Date |
Qualifier 1 | Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United | Zalmi won by 70 runs | Karachi | April 28 |
Eliminator 1 | Multan Sultans vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | Kingsmen won by 8 wickets | Lahore | April 29 |
Eliminator 2 | Hyderabad Kingsmen vs Islamabad United | Kingsmen won by 2 runs | Lahore | May 1 |
FINAL | Peshawar Zalmi vs Hyderabad Kingsmen | TBD | Lahore | May 3 |
Eliminator 1 — Hyderabad Kingsmen Demolish Multan Sultans
April 29, 2026 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Hyderabad Kingsmen beat Multan Sultans by 8 wickets with 28 balls remaining in Eliminator 1 at Gaddafi Stadium. It was one of the most clinical playoff performances PSL has ever seen.
After being invited to bat first, Multan Sultans were left reeling at 93 for 7 at one stage. A valiant half-century from Shan Masood of 69 not out took his side to a respectable 159 for 9 in 20 overs.
The Kingsmen’s pace trio was devastating. Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed, and Hunain Shah kept the Sultans on a leash, blowing through half the side for just 24 runs in a 26-ball spell.
The chase was even more impressive. Usman Khan smashed 64 off 35 balls and Maaz Sadaqat remained unbeaten on 64 off 32 balls to seal an easy win, with Hyderabad finishing on 162 for 2.
Eliminator 1 Scorecard
Team | Score | Key Performer |
Multan Sultans | 159/9 (20 overs) | Shan Masood 69* (46) |
Hyderabad Kingsmen | 162/2 (15.2 overs) | Maaz Sadaqat 64* (33) |
Result | Kingsmen won by 8 wickets | POTM: Maaz Sadaqat |
Multan Sultans — three-time PSL champions — were officially eliminated. Their season ended with three consecutive defeats, a painful exit for a side that had led the table for much of the tournament.
Eliminator 2 — A Thriller for the Ages
May 1, 2026 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
If Eliminator 1 was clinical, Eliminator 2 was pure drama. Hyderabad Kingsmen booked their place in the PSL 2026 Final after edging past Islamabad United by just two runs in a nail-biting match at Gaddafi Stadium.
Hyderabad batted first and built a strong platform. Saim Ayub scored 38 off 27 balls and skipper Marnus Labuschagne added 39 off 32 deliveries in a crucial 70-run second-wicket stand before Imad Wasim dismissed both Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession, leaving Kingsmen at 85 for 4.
Then Usman Khan and Kusal Perera took over. The pair added 101 runs in a fifth-wicket partnership, with Usman Khan remaining unbeaten on 61 off just 30 balls and Perera contributing a quick 37 off 21 deliveries to power Hyderabad to 186 for 5.
Islamabad’s chase was gripping. A fighting knock from Mark Chapman and late big hits from Faheem Ashraf and Chris Green brought the match down to the final over, with six runs needed off the last six balls.
Then came the moment of the tournament. Hunain Shah held his nerve and delivered superb yorkers in the final over, conceding only three runs to seal a dramatic two-run win for Hyderabad Kingsmen.
Eliminator 2 Scorecard
Team | Score | Key Performer |
Hyderabad Kingsmen | 186/5 (20 overs) | Usman Khan 61* (30) |
Islamabad United | 184/7 (20 overs) | Mark Chapman (top score) |
Result | Kingsmen won by 2 runs | Hero: Hunain Shah (last over) |
Islamabad United’s PSL 2026 campaign was over. Hyderabad Kingsmen — a brand new franchise in their debut season — had reached the final.
PSL 2026 Final Preview — Peshawar Zalmi vs Hyderabad Kingsmen
May 3, 2026 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 7:00 PM PKT
The PSL 2026 Final brings together the tournament’s most dominant team against its most surprising one.
Peshawar Zalmi are through to the final after Babar Azam’s century powered them past Islamabad United in the Qualifier. Fans will now be allowed to attend the final after the Prime Minister approved a change in policy.
Peshawar Zalmi finished as the best team of the league stage, topping the table with 17 points after winning eight of their ten matches. Their batting is anchored by Babar Azam in his finest form, while their bowling attack has been consistently excellent throughout the tournament.
Hyderabad Kingsmen’s story is the stuff of cricket legend. They began with four straight defeats, then flipped the script with four wins on the bounce, eventually finishing fourth and fighting their way through two knockout matches to reach the title clash.
Final Head to Head
Peshawar Zalmi | Hyderabad Kingsmen | |
League Position | 1st — 17 points | 4th — 10 points |
League Wins | 8 from 10 | 5 from 10 |
Key Batter | Babar Azam | Usman Khan |
Key Bowler | Khurram Shahzad | Hunain Shah |
Route to Final | Won Qualifier directly | Won Eliminator 1 + 2 |
Form (last 3) | WW — rested | WWW |
Who Will Win the PSL 2026 Final?
Based on current form, Peshawar Zalmi are the clear favourites to lift the PSL 2026 trophy, having been the most complete team this season. However, T20 cricket can be unpredictable and one good match can change everything.
Hyderabad Kingsmen have momentum, a fired-up Usman Khan, and the fearlessness of a team with nothing to lose. Peshawar Zalmi have experience, Babar Azam, and a full week of rest.
May 3 in Lahore promises to be unforgettable.
The PSL 2026 Final is a dream fixture — Pakistan’s most consistent team against cricket’s most remarkable debut franchise story of the year. Eliminator 1 showed Hyderabad’s ruthlessness. Eliminator 2 showed their nerve. Peshawar Zalmi have shown their class all season long.
One team lifts the trophy on Sunday. One story ends. The other becomes legend.
