Peshawar Zalmi secured the Pakistan Super League (PSL) title for the first time in nine years after defeating Hyderabad Kings in the final in Lahore, with Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana delivering an outstanding performance.
Hyderabad Kings were bowled out for 129, after which Peshawar chased down the target with 29 balls and five wickets remaining. Nahid Rana was instrumental in restricting the opposition, finishing with figures of 4 overs, 22 runs and 2 wickets.
Hyderabad Kings Innings Breakdown
Hyderabad Kings began their innings cautiously, losing two wickets in the first five overs while scoring 56 runs. Nahid Rana was introduced into the attack in the sixth over. Although his first over conceded 13 runs, the pressure built through disciplined bowling from both ends.
A significant turning point came in the following over from Sufiyan Muqeem, where Usman Khan and Irfan Khan were dismissed within four deliveries, placing Hyderabad under immediate pressure.
Nahid Rana’s second spell had a decisive impact. On the first ball of his second over, Australian batter Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for a golden duck after attempting a pull shot and edging to mid-on. On the fifth ball of the same over, Kusal Perera was run out, leaving Hyderabad struggling at 73 for 6.
Later in the innings, Rana returned in the 14th over. By this stage, Hyderabad had already lost seven wickets and were unable to score off his over, with batters failing to negotiate his pace. On the fifth delivery, he bowled Hunain Shah, claiming his second wicket. He concluded his spell with another economical over in the 17th.
Bowling Figures
| Player | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nahid Rana | 4 | 22 | 2 |
| Aaron Hardie | 4 | 27 | 4 |
| Sufiyan Muqeem | — | — | 2 |
Peshawar Chase
In response, Peshawar Zalmi also faced early setbacks, losing four wickets for 40 runs. However, a crucial partnership between Aaron Hardie and Abdul Samad, worth 85 runs, stabilised the chase and effectively ended Hyderabad’s hopes.
Samad scored 48 runs from 34 deliveries before being dismissed, while Hardie remained unbeaten on 56 from 39 balls. Hardie also contributed significantly with the ball earlier in the match, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs.
Peshawar ultimately reached the target comfortably, sealing victory with 29 balls remaining and five wickets in hand, thereby ending a nine-year wait for the PSL title.