Hardie Stars as Zalmi Crush Kingsmen to Lift PSL 11 Title
Peshawar Zalmi didn’t just win the final; they dominated it.
In the PSL 11 final, Zalmi bowled out Hyderabad Kingsmen for just 129 runs before chasing the target comfortably to win their second PSL title.
The match was largely defined by one standout performance that changed everything.
Aaron Hardie: The Game-Changer
If there was one player who decided the final, it was Aaron Hardie.
He delivered one of the most complete performances in PSL history:
- 4 wickets for 27 runs with the ball
- 56 off 39 balls* in the chase
Hardie removed key batters early, including top-order players, and broke the backbone of Hyderabad’s innings.
Then, with the bat, he anchored the chase under pressure after an early setback, finishing the job himself.
Bowling Unit Sets the Tone
While Hardie stood out, Zalmi’s bowling unit backed him up well.
- Hyderabad were reduced to 129 all out in 18 overs
- Regular wickets ensured no big partnerships could form
The pressure applied in the middle overs made it difficult for Kingsmen to recover after early losses.
Saim Ayub Fights Alone for Kingsmen
For Hyderabad Kingsmen, the only real resistance came from Saim Ayub.
- 54 runs off 50 balls
- Held the innings together as wickets kept falling around him
But with little support from the rest of the batting lineup, his effort wasn’t enough.
Abdul Samad Provides Key Support
In the chase, Hardie wasn’t alone.
Abdul Samad played a crucial supporting role:
- 48 runs off 34 balls
- Built an 85-run partnership with Hardie
This partnership effectively sealed the game and removed any chance of a comeback.
Early Blow — But No Panic
Zalmi did face an early hiccup.
Captain Babar Azam was dismissed for a duck, putting the team under slight pressure early on.
But the middle order handled the situation calmly, with Hardie leading the recovery.
Complete Performance Under Pressure
Zalmi’s win was built on:
- Early breakthroughs with the ball
- Tight control through the middle overs
- A composed and calculated chase
They reached the target with 5 wickets in hand and 28 balls remaining, showing clear dominance.
Bottom Line
This final had one clear difference in execution.
Peshawar Zalmi outperformed Hyderabad Kingsmen in both departments, and Aaron Hardie delivered a performance that will be remembered as one of the best in a PSL final.
From breaking partnerships to finishing the chase, he owned the biggest stage.
