Hardie, Samad power Peshawar Zalmi to PSL 11 glory

• Zalmi overcomes early wobble to reach winning target of 130/5 in just 15.2 overs

• Hardie turns the game with all-rounder performance, finishing with impressive figures of 4/27 and 56 not out off 39 balls

• PM Shehbaz Sharif visits Gaddafi Stadium, watches final of PSL 11 between Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen

 LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Hyderabad Kingsmen and lift the PSL 11 title at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday night.

Chasing a modest target of 130, Zalmi overcame an early wobble to reach 130/5 in just 15.2 overs, thanks to a match-winning partnership between Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad.

Aaron Hardie is named player of the final for registering second-best bowling figures (4-27) in an HBL PSL final and an unbeaten half-century (56 not out) after coming in at 40-4 in the chase.#HBLPSL11 | #NewEra | #PZvHK pic.twitter.com/GkSnOUtxkc

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) May 3, 2026

Earlier, Kingsmen’s innings never truly gathered momentum despite a fighting half-century from Saim Ayub, who scored 54 off 50 balls. The Kingsmen were bundled out for 129 in 18 overs after a dramatic middle-order collapse.

The innings began brightly with skipper Marnus Labuschagne and Maaz Sadaqat providing early impetus, but the introduction of Hardie turned the game. The all-rounder dismantled the top and lower order alike, finishing with impressive figures of 4/27.

From 51/1, Kingsmen slumped to 73/6 within a span of three overs, losing key players including Glenn Maxwell and Kusal Perera cheaply. Late cameos failed to revive the innings as disciplined bowling from Nahid Rana and Sufyan Moqim kept the scoring in check.

In reply, Zalmi’s chase got off to a shaky start as captain Babar Azam was dismissed for a first-ball duck, while Mohammad Haris also fell early. Reduced to 7/2, Zalmi needed a steady rebuild.

Hardie rose to the occasion, anchoring the innings with a composed 56 not out off 39 balls, striking nine boundaries.

He found an able partner in Abdul Samad, who played an aggressive knock of 48 from 34 deliveries, smashing four sixes to swing the momentum decisively in Zalmi’s favour.

Their 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket effectively sealed the contest, taking the game away from Kingsmen. Despite a three-wicket haul from Mohammad Ali, Kingsmen lacked the firepower to defend the total. Zalmi eventually cruised to victory with 28 balls to spare, capping off a dominant performance in the final.

The title victory marks another significant milestone for Peshawar Zalmi, who combined disciplined bowling with clinical batting to outclass their opponents on the biggest stage and claimed the coveted PSL trophy after 9 years, as they earlier won the PSL trophy in 2017.

  

PM Shehbaz watches PSL 11 final

In related development, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday night visited Gaddafi Stadium and watched final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 between Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderbad Kingsmen.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the players of Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, the finalists of the PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on 3 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/6VEiHVrVfW

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 3, 2026

He was received and warmly welcomed at the stadium by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The prime minister met members of both the finalist teams, led by ace batter Babar Azam and Marnus Labuschagne. He also had a group photo with the PSL trophy.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets the players of Peshawar Zalmi and Hyderabad Kingsmen, the finalists of the PSL 11 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on 3 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/AUnyd4pje4

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 3, 2026

The premier lauded the hardwork and devotion during the league which enabled them to reach the final. He expressed his best wishes for both the teams in the final.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif with the captains of Peshawar Zalmi & Hyderabad Kingsmen along with the Trophy of PSL 11. Lahore, 3 May, 2026. pic.twitter.com/nOyLCYiX2m

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 3, 2026

The PM was accompanied by federal ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ataullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Abdul Aleem Khan, Mubashar Iqbal and SAPM Talha Barki.