Peshawar Zalmi clinch PSL 11 title with 5-wicket win over Hyderabad Kingsmen

Peshawar Zalmi were crowned champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for a second time after defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final of the league's 11 edition at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi reached the total comfortably in the 16th over, losing five wickets along the way to seal a commanding victory.

All-rounder Aaron Hardie led the charge with an unbeaten 56, anchoring the innings under pressure. Abdul Samad provided crucial support with a brisk 48 before departing near the finish line.

The rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact, with Kusal Mendis (9), Mohammad Haris (6), Michael Bracewell (4), and captain Babar Azam (0) falling cheaply. For Kingsmen, Mohammad Ali stood out with three wickets, while Hunain Shah and Akif Javed picked up one apiece.

Earlier, opting to bat first after being put in, Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 129 in 18 overs. Saim Ayub top-scored with a composed 54, while captain Marnus Labuschagne contributed 20.

The rest of the batting order failed to build momentum, with Hassan Khan (12), Muaz Sadaqat (11), Hunain Shah (9), Usman Khan (8), Akif Javed (5), Irfan Khan (1), Kusal Perera (1), and Glenn Maxwell (0) all falling without major contributions.

Hardie starred with the ball as well, claiming four wickets in a match-winning all-round performance. Nahid Rana chipped in with two wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit took one each.

The victory marks another major triumph for Peshawar Zalmi, who combined disciplined bowling with a composed chase to lift the PSL trophy in front of a packed Lahore crowd.