Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi beat the Hyderabad Kingsmen to win their second Pakistan Super League title, with Babar also finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 588 runs. But it was the post-match celebrations that stole the show.
After collecting the trophy, there were hilarious scenes as Zalmi players tried to replicate Rohit Sharma’s viral trophy celebration. However, they received no response from their captain. Babar accepted the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi and left his teammates waiting at the corner of the podium, who seemed ready for a coordinated celebration. Instead, he simply lifted the trophy straight up into the sky.
The unexpected move left the Zalmi players momentarily confused, forcing them to abandon their rehearsed act and join their captain anyway, turning the moment into an unintentionally funny end to a title-winning night.
Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed tried to copy Rohit Sharma’s iconic T20 World Cup 2024 celebration but failed miserably?
Just look at Iftikhar Ahmed tried his best but failed miserably? pic.twitter.com/sMCWhhHyQs— Ajay Jadeja (@AjayJadeja171) May 4, 2026
Before taking the podium, Team Peshawar carried Babar on their shoulders and celebrated winning the title. Babar led the Zalmi camp with two hundreds in the PSL 2026 campaign, finishing with 588 runs in 11 games.
Babar averaged 73.50 in PSL 2026 while scoring 146.
Peshawar zalmi players hoist captain Babar Azam on shoulders after winning PSL title “What kind of moment is this?”
?? Peshawar Zalmi pic.twitter.com/kPu2DdTeij— Sajeed 56 (@sajeed56) May 3, 2026
ZALMI BEAT HYDERABAD AND WIN PSL 2026
Aaron Hardie produced a superb all-round performance to guide Peshawar Zalmi to their first Pakistan Super League title since 2017, defeating newcomers Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Hardie was central to the contest, playing first with the ball by picking up 4 for 27 to help dismiss Hyderabad for a modest 129 in 18 overs. Despite a fighting half-century from Saim Ayub (54), Hyderabad suffered a dramatic collapse after a promising start, losing wickets in bunches and failing to capitalize on their early momentum.
In response, Hardie anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 56 off 39 balls. With Peshawar in trouble at 40 for 4 in five overs, Hardie steadied the innings and put together a crucial 85-run partnership with Abdul Samad (48). Under pressure, the pair resumed the chase before Samad reached his half-century. Hardie made sure there were no more hiccups and took his side to 130 for 5 in 15.2 overs.
Captain Babar Azam lauded the team effort after securing his first PSL title as captain and highlighted the consistency with which the side executed their plans during the tournament. Peshawar entered the final as favourites, having lost just one match all season, with Babar himself enjoying a prolific campaign, equaling Fakhar Zaman’s record of 588 runs in a single edition.
Hyderabad, led by Marnus Labuschagne, had earlier started brightly, reaching 69 for 2 in the powerplay. However, their innings quickly unraveled and they slumped to 73 for 6 in just nine balls. Contributions from the likes of Usman Khan and others were cut short, while sharp fielding and disciplined bowling from Peshawar ensured that Hyderabad never recovered.
Despite the defeat, the Hyderabad campaign was widely admired. After losing their first four league games, they staged a remarkable comeback, winning back-to-back games and eliminating established teams in the playoffs to reach the final.
Reflecting on the loss, Labuschagne admitted the team failed with the bat but expressed pride in their journey. While the final proved to be a step too far, Hyderabad’s spirited run remained one of the standout stories of the tournament.
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
May 4, 2026 5:09 PM IST
