Peshawar Zalmi crowned PSL 11 champions as Babar Azam lifts first T20 title as captain

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi ended their long wait for silverware in emphatic fashion, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the Pakistan Super League 2026 Final at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

A record-breaking crowd of over 32,000 witnessed a historic night as Babar Azam finally secured his first T20 title as captain, marking a significant milestone in his already illustrious career. The triumph also sealed Zalmi’s second PSL title and their first since 2017, ending a nine-year drought.

The final belonged to Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who delivered a match-winning performance under pressure. Hardie starred with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets to dismantle Kingsmen’s batting lineup, before anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 56, earning Player of the Match honors.

Early collapse shakes Zalmi before recovery

Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi’s innings got off to a disastrous start. Mohammad Haris fell cheaply, while Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck in the opening over by Mohammad Ali. The situation worsened when Michael Bracewell departed, leaving Zalmi reeling at 40 for 4.

However, Hardie steadied the innings alongside Abdul Samad. The duo stitched together a match-defining 85-run partnership, turning the tide in Zalmi’s favour. Samad played an aggressive knock of 48 off 34 balls before falling in the 15th over.

Hardie remained composed till the end, striking nine boundaries in his 56 off 39 deliveries, as Zalmi comfortably chased down the target with 28 balls to spare. Mohammad Ali stood out for Kingsmen with three wickets, while Hunain Shah and Akif Javed picked up one apiece.

Kingsmen falter after steady start

Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends as they bundled out Kingsmen for 129 in 18 overs.

After an early setback with the dismissal of Maaz Sadaqat, Kingsmen attempted to rebuild through Saim Ayub and Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne added a brisk 20, but momentum slipped away quickly.

The turning point came with the dismissal of Usman Khan, triggering a collapse that saw Kingsmen slump to 73 for 6, including two costly run-outs. Saim Ayub fought valiantly with a 54 off 50 balls but lacked support from the other end.

Hardie led the bowling charge with figures of 4 for 27, while Nahid Rana chipped in with two wickets. Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit contributed with one wicket each.

Season awards dominated by Zalmi

Zalmi’s dominance extended beyond the final, sweeping major individual honors in PSL 11. Sufiyan Muqeem was named Player of the Tournament for his 22 wickets, becoming the first specialist spinner to achieve the feat. Babar Azam finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 588 runs, while Hardie’s all-round brilliance earned him the final’s top award.

A night to remember

The victory not only marks a new chapter for Peshawar Zalmi but also cements Babar Azam’s legacy as a leader capable of delivering on the biggest stage. For Hyderabad Kingsmen, a remarkable debut season ended in heartbreak, but their journey promises a bright future.

As Farhan Yousaf struck the winning runs, celebrations erupted across the stadium — a moment that will be remembered as the night Zalmi reclaimed their crown and ushered in a new era of dominance in the Pakistan Super League.