The stage is set for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 final, with battle-hardened Peshawar Zalmi gearing up to take on newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Peshawar Zalmi head into the final with dominance, having taken the most direct route to the title clash. Their incredible performance in the Qualifier against Islamabad United showed their class and consistency.
Their batting lineup has been particularly formidable, built around the elegance and consistency of Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis. Notably, they have been boosted by the return of their pace spearhead, Nahid Rana. With 12 wickets already to his name this season, his presence will strengthen Zalmi’s bowling attack. On the other hand, Hyderabad Kingsmen have taken a far more dramatic path to the summit.
After struggling early in the tournament, they have engineered a stunning turnaround, peaking at exactly the right time. Their victory in Eliminator 2 against Islamabad United highlighted their determination. Their captain Marnus Labuschagne has been the backbone of their batting lineup, accumulating over 400 runs in the competition.
Head-to-head
Matches - 1
Peshawar won - 1
Hyderabad won - 0
Peshawar Zalmi likely XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Babar Azam (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Aaron Hardie, Abdul Samad, Khurram Shahzad, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit
Hyderabad Kingsmen likely XI: Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khan (WK), Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Hassan Khan, Irfan Khan, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed