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May 1, 2026
LAHORE – Peshawar Zalmi were crowned champions of HBL PSL Season 11 after a clinical 5-wicket victory over debutants Hyderabad Kings Men in the final at a packed Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night.
This is Peshawar Zalmi’s second PSL title overall, but the first under the captaincy of Babar Azam. The franchise previously won the trophy in 2017 under Darren Sammy’s leadership.
Record-Breaking Crowd
A historic crowd of 32,461 spectators filled the Gaddafi Stadium to watch the final – the highest attendance for any PSL match in the tournament’s history.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the stadium, watching the match alongside PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and interacting with players from both teams.
Hyderabad Batting First: Stumble to 129 All Out
Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field first – a decision that proved decisive.
Hyderabad Kings Men’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing only 129 runs in 18 overs.
| Hyderabad Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | 54 (50 balls) |
| Marnus Labuschagne (c) | 20 |
| Glenn Maxwell | 0 |
Saim Ayub was the top scorer with a fighting half-century – the first of the final. However, wickets kept falling at the other end, and the innings never gained momentum.
Peshawar’s Bowling Brilliance
| Bowler | Wickets | Runs Conceded |
|---|---|---|
| Aroon Hardy | 4 | 27 |
| Nahid Rana | 2 | 22 |
Aroon Hardy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 crucial wickets. Nahid Rana also contributed with 2 wickets, keeping Hyderabad’s total well below par.
The Chase: Early Scare, Then Recovery
Chasing a modest target of 130 runs, Peshawar Zalmi’s batting also stumbled at the start:
| Peshawar Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam (c) | 0 |
| Haris | 6 |
| Kusal Mendis | 9 |
| Bracewell | 4 |
The team lost 4 wickets for just 40 runs, with captain Babar Azam dismissed for a golden duck. The crowd fell silent as the star batter walked back – but Peshawar had other heroes waiting.
Hardy and Samad Steer Zalmi Home
Aroon Hardy (56 not out) and Abdul Samad (48 not out) then produced a match-winning partnership, adding an unbroken 90+ runs to guide their team to victory without further loss.
| Batter | Runs | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Aroon Hardy | 56* | Not Out |
| Abdul Samad | 48* | Not Out |
Peshawar Zalmi reached the target of 130 runs in the 16th over with 5 wickets in hand.
For Hyderabad, Mohammad Ali took 3 wickets but couldn’t prevent the inevitable.
Presentation Ceremony: Babar’s Emotional Moment
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presented the PSL 11 trophy to a jubilant Babar Azam and his team in a glittering ceremony.
Speaking after the match, Babar said:
“This is an extremely happy moment for the Peshawar Zalmi players and fans. We planned match by match, and that planning paid off. I dedicate this trophy to the entire nation and the people of Peshawar.”
Hyderabad captain Marnus Labuschagne, who was playing his first PSL season, graciously accepted defeat:
“We have enjoyed the tournament immensely. We played as a team, but Peshawar were the better side today. Congratulations to them.”
PCB Chairman’s Tribute to Lahore Crowd
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi thanked the passionate Lahore crowd for their support throughout the tournament, especially for the final.
“The people of Lahore have proven their love for cricket. They came out in huge numbers, supported both teams with full enthusiasm and discipline. This is Pakistan’s real image – a nation that loves sports.”
PSL 11’s Legacy
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Champions | Peshawar Zalmi (2nd title) |
| Runners-up | Hyderabad Kings Men (debut season) |
| Highest Attendance | 32,461 – PSL 11 Final |
| Player of the Tournament | To be announced |
Peshawar Zalmi’s victory marks a historic moment – their first title under Babar Azam’s leadership, and a sign that the franchise has rebuilt itself into a champion team. Babar remained the tournament’s top scorer by making 588 runs. Sufiyan Muqeem was declared player of the tournament by taking 22 wickets. Shadab Khan was the best all-rounder of the PSL11.
David Warner Gives Fitting Reply to Indian Fan
For Hyderabad Kings Men, the debut season ended in heartbreaking defeat, but their journey to the final has won them millions of fans across Pakistan.
