Kusal Mendis falters in PSL final for Peshawar Zalmi

Kusal Mendis falters in PSL final for Peshawar Zalmi

Kusal Mendis, a standout player of the season, fell early in the PSL final on May 2, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, contributing to a shaky start for Peshawar Zalmi.

Mendis scored just 9 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Maaz Sadaqat off the bowling of Hunain Shah. Commentators noted his dismissal: “Kusal Mendis goes. It’s full outside off, shapes away…” This quick exit was part of a disastrous start for Zalmi, who lost both openers in the very first over.

Despite this rocky beginning, Peshawar Zalmi managed to secure victory against Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. They successfully chased down a target of 130 runs, finishing with 28 balls to spare. Aaron Hardie played a crucial role in this turnaround, scoring 58 runs and taking 4 wickets.

The match was part of the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. The Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled throughout their innings and were bowled out for just 129 runs in 18 overs. Their performance was far from what they had hoped for in the final.

Mendis’s performance during the season had been impressive—he finished as the second-highest run-getter overall. His contributions earlier had been vital for Peshawar Zalmi’s journey to the final.

The partnership between Hardie and Abdul Samad proved pivotal as they batted with composure, effectively rotating the strike while dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary. They added 85 runs together, showcasing resilience despite Mendis’s early departure.

Peshawar Zalmi clinched their second PSL title in this thrilling final. Fans celebrated their team’s ability to overcome a challenging start and secure victory.

The future holds promise for both teams as they look ahead to next season and beyond. With standout players like Aaron Hardie shining bright, Peshawar Zalmi aims to build on this success.