Peshawar Zalmi ended a nine-year wait for Pakistan Super League glory with a composed five-wicket win over debutants Hyderabad Kingsmen in the PSL 11 final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, triggering celebrations among fans worldwide.
All-rounder Aaron Hardie starred in the final, producing a decisive all-round display. His four-wicket spell restricted Kingsmen to a modest total, before he steadied the chase with an unbeaten half-century, guiding Zalmi to victory with 28 balls remaining. Chasing 130, Zalmi paced the innings confidently and reached the target for the loss of five wickets.
The win secured Zalmi’s second PSL title, their first since 2017, and marked a major milestone for captain Babar Azam, who lifted his maiden T20 trophy as skipper. Despite the defeat, Hyderabad Kingsmen earned praise for a remarkable debut season that saw them reach the final in their first appearance.
Social media erupted with reactions after the match, with fans celebrating Zalmi’s triumph and highlighting the excitement of a tightly contested season.
Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar also commended the match, calling it a “great game of cricket” and appreciating the successful organization of another PSL edition.
Attention also centered on Babar Azam’s leadership, with supporters praising his calm captaincy and consistency throughout the tournament, describing the victory as a long-awaited and defining moment in his career.
