Peshawar Zalmi became PSL 2026 champion, created history by defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen under the captaincy of Babar Azam.

Delhi: In the final match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026, Peshawar Zalmi won the title by defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by 5 wickets. In this match played at Gaddafi Stadium, Zalmi overcame the stressful situation and registered a spectacular victory and lifted the trophy for the second time in history. This team has won the title under the captaincy of Babar Azam.

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Zalmi’s innings stabilized after a slow start

Peshawar Zalmi, which set out to chase the target of 130 runs, had a very bad start. The team lost four important wickets in just 40 runs. The first blow came on the score of 6 runs, when Mohammad Haris was out. Immediately after this, captain Babar Azam returned to the pavilion without opening his account on 7 runs.

After this, Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell also could not stay at the crease for long. Both the batsmen were out after scoring 9 and 4 runs respectively, due to which the team was in trouble.

Partnership between Hardy and Samad changed the match

In difficult times, Aaron Hardy and Abdul Samad took the responsibility. The important partnership between the two completely changed the course of the match. Hardy scored unbeaten 56 runs, while Samad played a useful inning of 48 runs. Thanks to the intelligent batting of these two, Zalmi achieved the target.

Hyderabad’s innings was a struggle

Earlier, Babar Azam’s decision to choose bowling after winning the toss proved correct. Hyderabad Kingsmen also had a shaky start and the team kept losing wickets continuously.

Holding one end, Saim Ayyub played an innings of 54 runs in 50 balls, but he did not get much support from the other end. At one point the team’s score reached 73/6, where the innings completely disintegrated due to continuous run outs and fall of wickets.

Bowlers showed their strength

Aaron Hardy also did wonders in bowling for Peshawar Zalmi and took 4 wickets for 27 runs. At the same time, Nahid Rana also maintained pressure on the opposition batting by taking two wickets.

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playing eleven

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Haris, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Farhan Yusuf, Michael Bracewell, Aaron Hardy, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Nahid Rana, Sufiyan Muqim, Mohammad Basit.

Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Marnus Labuschagne (captain), Saim Ayyub, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Irfan Niazi, Hasan Khan, Hunnain Shah, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed.