He scored just 9 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Maaz Sadaqat off Hunain Shah’s bowling. This dismissal marked a disastrous beginning for Zalmi, who lost both openers in the very first over.

Despite Mendis’ early exit, Peshawar Zalmi won the match against Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. They chased down a target of 130 runs with 28 balls to spare.

Key performances:

• Aaron Hardie scored 58 runs and took 4 wickets during the final.
• Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for only 129 runs in 18 overs.
• Mendis finished as the second-highest run-getter of the PSL season.

The match occurred at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore during the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. Mendis’ performance was critical throughout the season but fell short when it mattered most.

Commentators noted how Mendis struggled with his shot selection on his dismissal: “Kusal Mendis goes. It’s full outside off, shapes away…” His early exit raised concerns among fans and analysts about Zalmi’s chances.

Peshawar Zalmi clinched their second PSL title in this final. The team showed resilience despite their rocky start and managed to secure victory with strong contributions from other players like Hardie and Abdul Samad.

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Peshawar Zalmi chased down the target effortlessly, scoring 130 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in just 15.2 overs. Aaron Hardie played a crucial role, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs. This victory marked Peshawar Zalmi’s second PSL title, 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.” His leadership proved pivotal throughout the tournament.

Despite Ayub’s half-century, Marnus Labuschagne reflected on his team’s performance with disappointment. He noted, “Tonight hurts, but reflecting on what an amazing tournament we’ve put together.” Labuschagne also mentioned that they left some runs out there as a batting group.

Key match statistics:

• Hyderabad Kingsmen total: 129 runs
• Peshawar Zalmi total: 130 runs
• Aaron Hardie’s bowling figures: 4 wickets for 27 runs
• Victory margin: five wickets
• Babar Azam’s first title as captain

The match concluded with Peshawar Zalmi celebrating their hard-fought victory at Gaddafi Stadium. Fans rejoiced as their team lifted the trophy, marking a historic moment for the franchise.

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As the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 approaches its critical phase, Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie has made headlines by joining the Peshawar Zalmi squad. This move comes just days before their highly anticipated match against Pindiz on March 28, 2026. Hardie, who was brought in as a replacement for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, is eager to contribute to the team’s success in the tournament.

In a recent statement, Hardie expressed his confidence in Peshawar Zalmi’s preparations and overall balance. He highlighted the depth of the team’s lineup, which boasts strong batters, fast bowlers, and spinners. “I think we have a really well-balanced team and squad, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do,” Hardie remarked, signaling his optimism ahead of the match.

Hardie’s arrival adds a fresh dynamic to the Zalmi squad, which is currently navigating the challenges of the PSL 11 season. The tournament, which runs until May 3, 2026, has seen its share of ups and downs, but Hardie’s addition could be a game-changer for the team. The all-rounder has already begun to integrate with his teammates, notably praising captain Babar Azam for his leadership and ability to make overseas players feel comfortable.

“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,” Hardie shared, underscoring the importance of team cohesion in a high-stakes environment. He also noted that Azam’s captaincy speaks volumes about his maturity and understanding of the game, which could be pivotal as the tournament progresses.

However, the atmosphere surrounding the matches has been somewhat subdued due to the absence of fans in the stadiums. Hardie expressed disappointment over this situation, stating, “It’s a shame to have no crowd. We’re certainly hopeful that as the competition goes on, we can have some crowd join us.” The lack of spectators has been a talking point among players, as the energy from fans can significantly impact performance on the field.

As the match day approaches, all eyes will be on Hardie and the Peshawar Zalmi squad. The team’s performance against Pindiz will be crucial, not just for their standings in the tournament but also for building momentum as they aim for the PSL title. Hardie’s contributions, both with bat and ball, will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.

In summary, Aaron Hardie’s integration into the Peshawar Zalmi squad comes at a critical juncture in the PSL 11 season. His confidence in the team’s preparations, coupled with the leadership of Babar Azam, sets the stage for an exciting match ahead. As the tournament unfolds, the impact of Hardie’s presence will be pivotal in determining the team’s success.

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