Kusal Mendis, a standout player of the season, fell early in the PSL final on May 2, 2026, contributing to a shaky start for Peshawar Zalmi. At Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, he scored just 9 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Maaz Sadaqat off Hunain Shah’s bowling.
Despite Mendis’s quick departure, Peshawar Zalmi managed to secure their second Pakistan Super League title by defeating the Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. The team chased down a target of 130 runs with 28 balls to spare, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure.
Key performances in the final:
- Aaron Hardie was instrumental for Zalmi, scoring 58 runs and taking 4 wickets.
- The Hyderabad Kingsmen were bowled out for 129 runs in just 18 overs.
- Zalmi endured a disastrous start, losing both openers in the very first over.
Mendis’s performance throughout the season had been impressive—he finished as the second-highest run-getter of the PSL season. His early exit in the final was unexpected, especially considering his pivotal role earlier in the tournament.
The duo of Hardie and Abdul Samad batted with composure after Mendis’s dismissal, effectively rotating the strike while dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary. They formed a partnership that significantly steadied the innings with 85 runs combined.
As Peshawar Zalmi celebrated their victory, questions lingered about how Mendis would bounce back from this setback. His contributions earlier in the season had set high expectations among fans and teammates alike. Yet, this match served as a reminder of cricket’s unpredictability.
Looking ahead, Mendis will likely focus on refining his game as he prepares for future challenges. The next PSL season promises to be competitive as teams assess their strategies based on this year’s performances.
