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. His dismissal raised concerns about Zalmi’s ability to chase down a modest target.
Mendis scored just 9 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Maaz Sadaqat off the bowling of Hunain Shah. Commentators noted the significance of his early exit: “Kusal Mendis goes. It’s full outside off, shapes away…” This moment marked a challenging beginning for Zalmi, who lost both openers in the very first over.
Despite this rocky start, Peshawar Zalmi managed to secure victory against Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. They successfully chased down a target of 130 runs with 28 balls to spare. Aaron Hardie played a pivotal role in the win, scoring an impressive 58 runs and taking four wickets during the match.
Hyderabad Kingsmen struggled throughout their innings and were bowled out for just 129 runs in 18 overs. Their inability to build partnerships left them vulnerable against a determined Zalmi side. The partnership between Hardie and Abdul Samad was particularly notable as they accumulated 85 runs together, effectively stabilizing the innings after Mendis’s departure.
Kusal Mendis finished the PSL season as the second-highest run-getter, showcasing his talent throughout the tournament. His performance had been instrumental for Peshawar Zalmi leading up to the final. However, his early exit in such a crucial match has led fans and analysts to ponder its impact on team morale and strategy.
As Peshawar Zalmi celebrates their second PSL title, questions linger about how they will address their batting order moving forward. The team’s resilience in overcoming early setbacks will be tested in future matches as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.
