130/5 (15.2)
CR : 8.48
129/10 (18.0)
CR : 7.17
Peshawar Zalmi won by 5 wickets 🏆
Player of the Match
Aaron Hardie
4/2756(39)*
Spirit of Cricket Award: Hyderabad Kingsmen
PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: SUFIYAN MUQEEM
Sufiyan Muqeem (Player of the Tournament): "First of all, I thank Almighty Allah. My individual performance was good, and the team’s performance was also strong, which is why we were able to win the tournament.
(Getting Usman Khan out) When I came on to bowl, Usman Khan was at the crease. My only thought was to get him out as quickly as possible because he plays spin very well, both in domestic and international cricket. So I aimed to do better against him and prove that I’m a good spinner. Thankfully, I managed to get him out.
(On his preparation) Apart from that, throughout the tournament, I maintained a good line and length in my bowling. I also used variations effectively, which helped me keep my form consistent. I kept working hard. In the departmental tournament last year, I was a top performer, and I’ve done well here too.
It was written in my destiny by Allah that I would become the Best Bowler and also the Player of the Tournament. I just kept working hard, quietly, and Allah rewarded me."
(Getting Usman Khan out) When I came on to bowl, Usman Khan was at the crease. My only thought was to get him out as quickly as possible because he plays spin very well, both in domestic and international cricket. So I aimed to do better against him and prove that I’m a good spinner. Thankfully, I managed to get him out.
(On his preparation) Apart from that, throughout the tournament, I maintained a good line and length in my bowling. I also used variations effectively, which helped me keep my form consistent. I kept working hard. In the departmental tournament last year, I was a top performer, and I’ve done well here too.
It was written in my destiny by Allah that I would become the Best Bowler and also the Player of the Tournament. I just kept working hard, quietly, and Allah rewarded me."
A cheque of PKR 83,700,000 has been presented to the Hyderabad Kingsmen owner. The team starting with Coach Jason Gillespie collect the Runner's Up Medals! Marnus Labuschagne receives a PKR 56,000,000 Runner's Up cheque as well on behalf of the team.
Marnus Labuschagne (Hyderabad Kingsmen Captain): (On the loss despite a strong performance) "It was absolutely exceptional, but just not our night tonight. A few things didn’t go our way. As a batting group, we probably left a few runs out there. We showed once again the belief in the side and what we can do - putting teams under pressure and bowling them out for 40, but we just didn’t have enough runs on the board tonight.
(On reflecting on the season overall) Tonight hurts, obviously, but when you reflect on the season, it’s been amazing. We came back from four losses, won four in a row, got bowled out for 80, then won by 100, and then won two games to reach the final, even defending six. We’ve created so many great memories. I’m really proud of the team, and it’s been an awesome effort.
(On his experience as captain) Yeah, I really enjoyed it. I was excited about the opportunity and the challenge in a different environment. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the players, the owners, and the support staff, and doing it all collectively as a team. It’s exciting to see what this team has built in such a short time, and hopefully, there are even better things to come.
(On reflecting on the season overall) Tonight hurts, obviously, but when you reflect on the season, it’s been amazing. We came back from four losses, won four in a row, got bowled out for 80, then won by 100, and then won two games to reach the final, even defending six. We’ve created so many great memories. I’m really proud of the team, and it’s been an awesome effort.
(On his experience as captain) Yeah, I really enjoyed it. I was excited about the opportunity and the challenge in a different environment. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the players, the owners, and the support staff, and doing it all collectively as a team. It’s exciting to see what this team has built in such a short time, and hopefully, there are even better things to come.
A cheque of PKR 139,500,000 has been presented to the Peshawar Zalmi owner. The team starting with Coach Ottis Gibson collect the Winner's Medals! Babar Azam receives a PKR 140,000,000 Winner's cheque as well on behalf of the team.
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi Captain): "(On the achievement) It is a big achievement for me personally and for Peshawar Zalmi and their fans as well. I feel throughout the tournament we have put up a great performance in all 3 departments. We have tried to enjoy our cricket. I think all the players also deserve the credit for performing well in all 3 departments. The plan was to take it match by match and reach the final. By god's grace we won it.
(On the management) The management has played its role beautifully. After every match we looked at the positives and the areas where we could improve. Every player has played his role very well. After winning a match, the talk was to get ready for the next one. We played back-to-back games as well. At one point we played 4 games in 6 days, and the talk was to give our best.
(On his own batting prowess) I tried to get my good form back. Unfortunately, it wasn't happening for a while, but I am glad it happened in this PSL, and I have enjoyed it a lot."
(On the management) The management has played its role beautifully. After every match we looked at the positives and the areas where we could improve. Every player has played his role very well. After winning a match, the talk was to get ready for the next one. We played back-to-back games as well. At one point we played 4 games in 6 days, and the talk was to give our best.
(On his own batting prowess) I tried to get my good form back. Unfortunately, it wasn't happening for a while, but I am glad it happened in this PSL, and I have enjoyed it a lot."
It is time to collect the Winner's Trophy. Babar Azam farms his aura as he walks up to the PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to collect the elusive award! The team joins their leader on stage and let the cheer, music, cameras take over!
Most PSL Titles:
3- Islamabad United (2016, 2018, 2024), Lahore Qalandars (2022, 2023, 2025)
2- Peshawar Zalmi (2017, 2026)
1- Multan Sultans (2021), Karachi Kings (2020), Quetta Gladiators (2019)
3- Islamabad United (2016, 2018, 2024), Lahore Qalandars (2022, 2023, 2025)
2- Peshawar Zalmi (2017, 2026)
1- Multan Sultans (2021), Karachi Kings (2020), Quetta Gladiators (2019)
The 2026 Pakistan Super League season culminated in a historic spectacle at Lahore, marking a shifting of the guard and the expansion of a cricketing empire. With the introduction of two new franchises, the Hyderabad Kingsmen and RawalPindiZ, the league reached an unprecedented scale. For Peshawar Zalmi, however, this season was about more than just expansion. It was a masterclass in dominance. Emerging as the undisputed best team of the tournament, Zalmi marched through the group stages with an iron will, suffering only a single loss throughout the entire campaign. Finishing comfortably as table toppers, they entered the final not just as favorites, but as a collective force that seemed destined to reclaim the throne they last held years ago.
The story of the tournament’s runners-up, the Hyderabad Kingsmen, was nothing short of a sporting odyssey. Making their debut under the shrewd leadership of Marnus Labuschagne, the Kingsmen initially looked out of their depth, reeling from four consecutive losses that threatened to derail their maiden season before it even began. Yet, in a display of immense character and tactical recalibration, they ignited a mid-season resurgence that captured the hearts of the fans. Fighting tooth and nail to claw their way back into contention, they transformed from bottom-dwellers to finalists, proving that the Kingsmen's spirit was forged in the fire of adversity.
The final at Gaddafi Stadium was a high-stakes encounter where the Kingsmen’s fairytale met the Zalmi juggernaut. Despite a valiant, gritty 54 from Saim Ayub, the Hyderabad batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by Aaron Hardie and Nahid Rana, eventually being bundled out for 129. The chase provided early drama as Mohammad Ali produced a sensational opening spell, dismissing the legendary Babar Azam for a duck and leaving Zalmi wobbling at 40/4. However, the depth of the Peshawar squad shone through as Aaron Hardie played a hero’s knock, scoring an unbeaten 56 to guide his team home with 28 balls to spare.
For Babar Azam, May 3, 2026, will forever be etched as a personal and professional milestone. Despite his rare failure with the bat in the final, his tactical acumen throughout the season was the primary reason for Zalmi’s consistency. After years of individual brilliance, this victory marked the first time Babar lifted the PSL trophy as a captain. The sight of him leading his side to their second title overall solidified his legacy as a leader who could balance the weight of a nation’s expectations with the tactical demands of T20 cricket. His calm demeanor in the dugout as the young Yousaf hit the winning runs reflected a captain who had finally found the missing piece of his illustrious career.
The atmosphere in Lahore was electric, breaking all previous records with a staggering attendance of 32,461 fans - the highest in the history of the PSL. The sea of yellow and blue created a vibrant backdrop to a season that saw cricket reach new heights of popularity in Pakistan. As the final boundary was hit and the celebrations erupted, the stadium was bathed in golden light and fireworks, signaling the end of a marathon journey. The fans remained in their seats long after the final ball, soaked in the emotion of a tournament that had successfully integrated new cities and new rivalries into the fabric of the league.
As the presentation ceremony commenced, the air was thick with triumph. Babar Azam stepped forward to collect the glittering PSL trophy, his face a mask of pure joy and relief. In a beautiful display of camaraderie, he didn't hold the spotlight alone, as the entire squad and the tireless support staff immediately joined him. They gathered behind the iconic "WINNER" board, a chaotic and happy huddle of athletes and coaches. The cameras flashed as they hoisted the trophy high, celebrating a season where they weren't just the best team on paper, but the ultimate champions on the field, signing off on PSL 2026 in spectacular fashion.
As the golden confetti settles on the hallowed turf of Lahore and the echoes of "Zalmi, Zalmi!" slowly fade into the night air, we bring our exhaustive coverage of PSL 2026 to a close. It’s been a season of breathtaking narratives, from the Kingsmen’s phoenix-like rise to Babar Azam finally touching the sky as a title-winning captain. This tournament reminded us why we love this game - the grit, the heartbreak, and the ultimate glory. It has been an absolute privilege bringing every boundary and breakthrough to your screens.
Until then, I am Dev Rajawat, signing off, along with my co-commentators, Manan Mehta, Mohammad Anab, scorer Zeeshan Naiyer, and statistician Aman. That’s it from our side for this season of PSL 2026. Thanks for joining. But cricket doesn’t sleep. Plenty is happening around the world. Switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!!!!!!
The story of the tournament’s runners-up, the Hyderabad Kingsmen, was nothing short of a sporting odyssey. Making their debut under the shrewd leadership of Marnus Labuschagne, the Kingsmen initially looked out of their depth, reeling from four consecutive losses that threatened to derail their maiden season before it even began. Yet, in a display of immense character and tactical recalibration, they ignited a mid-season resurgence that captured the hearts of the fans. Fighting tooth and nail to claw their way back into contention, they transformed from bottom-dwellers to finalists, proving that the Kingsmen's spirit was forged in the fire of adversity.
The final at Gaddafi Stadium was a high-stakes encounter where the Kingsmen’s fairytale met the Zalmi juggernaut. Despite a valiant, gritty 54 from Saim Ayub, the Hyderabad batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by Aaron Hardie and Nahid Rana, eventually being bundled out for 129. The chase provided early drama as Mohammad Ali produced a sensational opening spell, dismissing the legendary Babar Azam for a duck and leaving Zalmi wobbling at 40/4. However, the depth of the Peshawar squad shone through as Aaron Hardie played a hero’s knock, scoring an unbeaten 56 to guide his team home with 28 balls to spare.
For Babar Azam, May 3, 2026, will forever be etched as a personal and professional milestone. Despite his rare failure with the bat in the final, his tactical acumen throughout the season was the primary reason for Zalmi’s consistency. After years of individual brilliance, this victory marked the first time Babar lifted the PSL trophy as a captain. The sight of him leading his side to their second title overall solidified his legacy as a leader who could balance the weight of a nation’s expectations with the tactical demands of T20 cricket. His calm demeanor in the dugout as the young Yousaf hit the winning runs reflected a captain who had finally found the missing piece of his illustrious career.
The atmosphere in Lahore was electric, breaking all previous records with a staggering attendance of 32,461 fans - the highest in the history of the PSL. The sea of yellow and blue created a vibrant backdrop to a season that saw cricket reach new heights of popularity in Pakistan. As the final boundary was hit and the celebrations erupted, the stadium was bathed in golden light and fireworks, signaling the end of a marathon journey. The fans remained in their seats long after the final ball, soaked in the emotion of a tournament that had successfully integrated new cities and new rivalries into the fabric of the league.
As the presentation ceremony commenced, the air was thick with triumph. Babar Azam stepped forward to collect the glittering PSL trophy, his face a mask of pure joy and relief. In a beautiful display of camaraderie, he didn't hold the spotlight alone, as the entire squad and the tireless support staff immediately joined him. They gathered behind the iconic "WINNER" board, a chaotic and happy huddle of athletes and coaches. The cameras flashed as they hoisted the trophy high, celebrating a season where they weren't just the best team on paper, but the ultimate champions on the field, signing off on PSL 2026 in spectacular fashion.
As the golden confetti settles on the hallowed turf of Lahore and the echoes of "Zalmi, Zalmi!" slowly fade into the night air, we bring our exhaustive coverage of PSL 2026 to a close. It’s been a season of breathtaking narratives, from the Kingsmen’s phoenix-like rise to Babar Azam finally touching the sky as a title-winning captain. This tournament reminded us why we love this game - the grit, the heartbreak, and the ultimate glory. It has been an absolute privilege bringing every boundary and breakthrough to your screens.
Until then, I am Dev Rajawat, signing off, along with my co-commentators, Manan Mehta, Mohammad Anab, scorer Zeeshan Naiyer, and statistician Aman. That’s it from our side for this season of PSL 2026. Thanks for joining. But cricket doesn’t sleep. Plenty is happening around the world. Switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!!!!!!