Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi beat Hyderabad Kingsmen to win their second Pakistan Super League title, with Babar also finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 588 runs. But it was the post-match celebrations that stole the show.
After collecting the trophy, hilarious scenes followed as the Zalmi players attempted to recreate Rohit Sharma’s viral trophy celebration. However, they found no response from their captain. Receiving the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, Babar left his teammates waiting at the corner of podium, who seemed ready for a coordinated celebration. Instead, he simply lifted the trophy straight into the sky.
The unexpected move left the Zalmi players momentarily confused, forcing them to abandon their rehearsed act and join their captain anyway, turning the moment into an unintentionally funny end to a title-winning night.
Before taking the podium, the Peshawar team carried Babar on their shoulders and celebrated their title win. Babar led the Zalmi camp with two hundreds in the PSL 2026 campaign and finished with 588 runs in 11 games.
Babar averaged 73.50 in the PSL 2026, while striking at 146.
ZALMI BEAT HYDERABAD TO WIN PSL 2026
Aaron Hardie delivered a standout all-round performance to guide Peshawar Zalmi to their first Pakistan Super League title since 2017, defeating newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final at Gaddafi Stadium.
Hardie was the central figure in the contest, first starring with the ball by picking up 4 for 27 to help dismiss Hyderabad for a modest 129 in 18 overs. Despite a fighting half-century from Saim Ayub (54), Hyderabad suffered a dramatic collapse after a promising start, losing wickets in clusters and failing to capitalise on their early momentum.
In response, Hardie anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 56 off 39 balls. Walking in with Peshawar in trouble at 40 for 4 inside five overs, Hardie steadied the innings and stitched together a crucial 85-run partnership with Abdul Samad (48). The pair rebuilt the chase under pressure before Samad fell just short of his half-century. Hardie ensured there were no further hiccups, taking his side to 130 for 5 in 15.2 overs.
Captain Babar Azam praised the team effort after securing his first PSL title as skipper, highlighting the consistency with which the side executed their plans throughout the tournament. Peshawar entered the final as favourites, having lost just one game all season, with Babar himself enjoying a prolific campaign, equalling Fakhar Zaman’s record of 588 runs in a single edition.
Hyderabad, led by Marnus Labuschagne, had earlier made a brisk start, reaching 69 for 2 in the powerplay. However, their innings unravelled quickly, slumping to 73 for 6 in the space of just nine balls. Contributions from players like Usman Khan and others were cut short, while sharp fielding and disciplined bowling from Peshawar ensured Hyderabad never recovered.
Despite the defeat, Hyderabad’s campaign was widely admired. After losing their first four league games, they staged a remarkable comeback, winning consecutive matches and knocking out established teams in the playoffs to reach the final.
Reflecting on the loss, Labuschagne admitted the team fell short with the bat but expressed pride in their journey. While the final proved a step too far, Hyderabad’s spirited run remained one of the standout stories of the tournament.
– Ends
