NewsIndia

Kusal Mendis, a standout player of the season, fell early in the final on May 2, 2026, contributing to a shaky start for Peshawar Zalmi. He scored just 9 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Maaz Sadaqat off Hunain Shah’s bowling.

Key match statistics:

• Kusal Mendis scored 9 runs off 8 balls.
• Peshawar Zalmi chased down a target of 130 runs with 28 balls to spare.
• Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 129 runs in 18 overs.
• Aaron Hardie scored 58 runs and took 4 wickets in the final.

Zalmi endured a disastrous start, losing both openers in the very first over. However, Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad formed a strong partnership, scoring a combined total of 85 runs. They batted with composure, rotating the strike effectively while dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary.

This match marked the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. Kusal Mendis finished as the second-highest run-getter of the PSL season, highlighting his overall contribution despite his early exit in the final.

Peshawar Zalmi clinched their second PSL title in this final against Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. As they celebrate their victory, questions remain about how Mendis will recover from this performance moving forward.