Aaron Hardie made history by becoming the first player to take four wickets and score a fifty in a Pakistan Super League final. His outstanding performance helped Peshawar Zalmi secure their second title, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in Lahore.
Peshawar Zalmi chased down a target of 130 runs in just 15.2 overs. Hardie played a crucial role, not only with the bat—scoring an unbeaten half-century off 39 balls—but also with his bowling, taking four wickets for just 27 runs.
Key match statistics:
- Peshawar Zalmi won by five wickets.
- Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 129 runs in 18 overs.
- Aaron Hardie took four wickets for 27 runs.
- Abdul Samad contributed significantly with 48 runs off 34 balls.
Babar Azam, captain of Peshawar Zalmi, expressed his pride, stating, “It’s a very big achievement for me, for Peshawar Zalmi and all the fans.” Despite his team’s success, he faced disappointment after being dismissed for a golden duck.
Marnus Labuschagne reflected on the season’s ups and downs, saying, “Tonight hurts, obviously, but reflecting on what an amazing tournament we’ve put together, coming from four losses to winning four in a row.” His sentiments resonate with many fans who witnessed the team’s remarkable turnaround.
Aaron Hardie shared his gratitude for being part of Peshawar Zalmi: “I’m super grateful to be part of the Zalmi and get to know everyone.” He added, “It was just a great game of cricket,” highlighting the excitement of the final match.
This victory marks Peshawar Zalmi’s first PSL title since 2017. As they celebrate this achievement, fans look forward to what next season holds for their team.
