PSL 2026: Peshawar Zalmi Clinches Title Amid Babar Azam's Golden Duck

The PSL 2026 final concluded with Peshawar Zalmi emerging victorious against the Hyderabad Kingsmen. Despite high expectations, Babar Azam faced a shocking golden duck, leaving fans stunned. Aaron Hardy's exceptional performance with both bat and ball was pivotal in securing the title for Peshawar. The match saw early struggles for Zalmi, but a strong partnership led them to chase down the target of 130 runs. The Hyderabad Kingsmen's batting collapse added to the drama of the final. Read on to explore the thrilling highlights and key moments from this exciting match.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 4, 2026, 01:11 IST

PSL 2026 Championship Decided

The conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 has been marked by the defeat of the Hyderabad Kingsmen, leading to Peshawar Zalmi's triumph under the leadership of Babar Azam. In a thrilling final, Peshawar secured the coveted PSL trophy, with Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardy emerging as the standout performer, excelling with both bat and ball. Hardy played a remarkable innings, scoring a crucial half-century and remained unbeaten as his team chased down the target.

Babar Azam's Shocking Golden Duck

In a surprising turn of events during the PSL 2026 final, cricket fans were left stunned when Babar Azam was dismissed without scoring a run. Anticipation was high for a record-breaking performance, but his golden duck became the most shocking moment of the match. Babar was out on the very first ball against the Hyderabad Kingsmen, attempting a cut shot off a delivery from Mohammad Ali, only to be caught out. This dismissal cost him the chance to set a record for the most runs in a single season, as he needed just one run to achieve that milestone.

Peshawar Zalmi's Early Struggles

Following Babar's early exit, Peshawar Zalmi faced a rocky start, losing two wickets for just 7 runs in the first over. Mohammad Ali's exceptional bowling delivered early blows, and within the first 40 runs, four Peshawar batsmen had returned to the pavilion. However, Aaron Hardy, alongside Abdul Samad, formed a crucial partnership that ultimately led their team to victory. Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased down the target of 130 runs, achieving it in the 16th over with five wickets in hand.

Hyderabad Kingsmen's Disappointing Performance

Earlier, the Hyderabad Kingsmen's batting lineup failed to impress, getting bowled out for a mere 129 runs in 18 overs. After a promising start at 71 runs for 3 wickets, the team crumbled under pressure, losing wickets consistently. Sam Ayub was the top scorer for Hyderabad, managing 54 runs, while captain Marnus Labuschagne contributed a quick 20 runs. On the bowling front, Aaron Hardy shone with four wickets, and Naheed Rana played a pivotal role in dismantling the opposition's batting order. Overall, Babar Azam's golden duck became a hot topic of discussion following the final.