Kusal Mendis scored 9 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Maaz Sadaqat off the bowling of Hunain Shah. This marked a disappointing moment for a player who was the second-highest run-getter of the season.

Match highlights:

• Peshawar Zalmi chased down a target of 130 runs with 28 balls to spare.
• Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 129 runs in just 18 overs.
• Aaron Hardie played a crucial role, scoring 58 runs and taking 4 wickets.

Zalmi endured a disastrous start, losing both openers in the very first over. Yet, they managed to recover thanks to a strong partnership between Hardie and Abdul Samad, who added 85 runs together.

The match took place during the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. Peshawar Zalmi clinched their second PSL title with this victory.

The post Kusal Mendis Struggles in PSL Final appeared first on newscri.

Peshawar Zalmi chased down the target successfully, scoring 130 runs for 5 wickets in just 15.2 overs. Aaron Hardie played a pivotal role for Peshawar Zalmi, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs, which significantly contributed to their victory. This win marked Peshawar Zalmi’s second PSL title and their first since 2017.

Babar Azam celebrated his first major title as captain of Peshawar Zalmi. He expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “It’s a very big achievement for me, for Peshawar Zalmi and all the fans.” Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne reflected on the loss, saying, “Tonight hurts, but reflecting on what an amazing tournament we’ve put together.”

Despite Ayub’s strong performance, the match highlighted a significant collapse in the Hyderabad Kingsmen’s middle order. Labuschagne noted that they could have scored more runs as a batting group: “As a batting group, we probably left a few runs out there.” This sentiment underscores the frustration felt by the team despite reaching the final.

The match showcased not only individual brilliance from players like Saim Ayub and Aaron Hardie but also emphasized team dynamics and performance under pressure. The Hyderabad Kingsmen will need to regroup and reflect on their performance moving forward.

With this victory, Peshawar Zalmi solidifies its status in the Pakistan Super League and sets its sights on future tournaments. Fans eagerly await how both teams will prepare for upcoming matches.

The post Saim Ayub Shines in PSL Final Despite Team Collapse appeared first on newscri.

On March 28, 2026, in Lahore, Pakistan, Aaron Hardie, an Australian all-rounder, made headlines as he joined the Peshawar Zalmi squad for the ongoing PSL 11 tournament. This addition came as a replacement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who was unable to participate. Hardie’s entry into the team has generated considerable interest, particularly as the tournament is set to run until May 3, 2026.

As the season progresses, Hardie has expressed confidence in the preparations and balance of the Peshawar Zalmi team ahead of their match against Pindiz. He emphasized the depth of the lineup, highlighting the presence of strong batters, fast bowlers, and spinners, which he believes positions the team well for success in the tournament.

In a recent statement, Hardie praised Babar Azam’s leadership, noting his maturity and extensive knowledge of the game. He remarked, “Babar has been awesome. He’s been very welcoming to all the overseas players and you know I got to bat with him in the nets today.” This sentiment underscores the importance of strong leadership in fostering a cohesive team environment, especially for international players adjusting to a new league.

Hardie also acknowledged the impact of Babar’s experience on the squad, stating, “His captaincy speaks for itself; he’s very mature and knows a lot about the game.” This level of respect for Babar’s leadership reflects the trust and confidence that Hardie and other players have in their captain’s abilities to guide the team through the challenges of the tournament.

Despite the positive atmosphere within the team, Hardie expressed disappointment over the absence of fans in the stadium during PSL matches. He stated, “It’s a shame to have no crowd. We’re certainly hopeful that as the competition goes on that we can have some crowd join us.” The lack of spectators has been a concern for players and fans alike, as the energy of live audiences is often a crucial element of sporting events.

As the tournament unfolds, Hardie’s optimism about the Peshawar Zalmi squad remains evident. He remarked, “I think we have a really well-balanced team and squad, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do.” His confidence in the team’s capabilities is a positive sign as they prepare to take on their next opponents.

Currently, the Peshawar Zalmi team is gearing up for their upcoming match, with Hardie aiming to make a significant impact. The combination of his skills and the team’s depth could prove vital as they navigate through the competitive landscape of PSL 11.

The developments surrounding Aaron Hardie’s addition to Peshawar Zalmi and his insights into the team’s dynamics highlight the significance of leadership and teamwork in cricket. As the tournament progresses, the performance of Hardie and his teammates will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, marking a pivotal moment in their PSL journey.

The post Aaron Hardie Joins Peshawar Zalmi for PSL 11 appeared first on newscri.