Babar Azam and Aaron Hardie Power Peshawar Zalmi to PSL Final with Dominant Qualifier Win Peshawar Zalmi secured their place in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final with a resounding 70-run victory over Islamabad United in a qualifier match on April 28, 2026. The match, held in Karachi, saw Babar Azam deliver a scintillating century, while Aaron Hardie and Sufiyan Muqeem dismantled Islamabad’s batting lineup to seal a comprehensive win. Zalmi’s triumph marked their return to the PSL final since 2019, ending a four-year drought. Zalmi’s innings was anchored by Babar’s 103 off 59 balls, complemented by Kusal Mendis’ 41 and Mohammad Haris’ aggressive powerplay contributions. The duo’s partnership, along with Mendis’ late surge, helped Zalmi post a formidable total of 221 for 7. Islamabad United, despite a strong start with Sameer Minhas scoring 44, struggled to keep up with the pace, eventually being bowled out for 151. Hardie’s bowling, particularly in the death overs, proved decisive as he claimed 3 wickets, while Muqeem’s sharp fielding and Sufiyan’s accuracy dismantled the United middle order. The match unfolded with Zalmi’s attacking approach from the outset. Mohammad Haris, known for his fearless style, smashed 35 runs off 16 balls in the powerplay, setting the tone for a high-scoring innings. Babar, who had previously been held back in his T20 development, showcased his maturity by maintaining a steady run rate and anchoring the innings. His 12 runs off Imad Wasim’s final over, including a boundary, brought up his half-century and set the stage for a record-breaking chase. Mendis, initially cautious, found his rhythm in the middle overs, scoring 41 off 26 balls. His partnership with Babar, which included a 100-run stand, kept Zalmi in control despite some early resistance from Islamabad’s bowlers.#babar_azam #karachi #peshawar_zalmi #islamabad_united #aaron_hardie
Hardie confident ahead of clash with Pindiz Australians Aaron Hardie expressed confidence in Peshawar Zalmi’s preparations as the team prepared for their match against Pindiz. Speaking to the media, Hardie highlighted the smooth progress of training sessions and the squad’s readiness to face the challenge. He emphasized the team’s balanced composition, noting the presence of strong batters, fast bowlers, and spinners. “Our team is balanced, and we will try to perform well,” he said, adding that the side is focused on delivering a solid performance on the field. Hardie also praised captain Babar Azam, calling him “a great player who has performed at every level.” He acknowledged the absence of spectators as unfortunate but stressed that the team’s focus remains on maintaining high standards regardless of the atmosphere. The all-rounder further commended Zalmi’s local talent, particularly the emerging fast bowlers and spinners. “I am very impressed by the local players of Peshawar Zalmi,” he remarked, underscoring the franchise’s promising future. The young fast bowlers and spinners, he said, are “very talented,” which he believes will contribute to the team’s success in the coming seasons. Hardie’s comments reflect his optimism about the squad’s potential and the depth of talent within the franchise. His confidence aligns with the team’s broader strategy to build a competitive and cohesive unit capable of excelling in high-stakes matches. The match against Pindiz is seen as a critical test for Zalmi, with Hardie’s remarks underscoring the team’s determination to perform at their best. His emphasis on preparation and balance highlights the importance of teamwork and strategic planning in cricket.#babar_azam #peshawar_zalmi #aaron_hardie #pindiz #zalmi_local_talent
