LAHORE: Hyderabad Kingsmen will take on Peshawar Zalmi in the final of the Pakistan Super League Season 11 on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium, bringing the 44-match tournament to a thrilling conclusion.
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The final carries added significance this year, with new financial incentives introduced for franchises. The winning team will receive $500,000, while the runners-up will earn $300,000. Additionally, a $200,000 award has been allocated for the franchise demonstrating the best player development, alongside a separate $500,000 prize pool for players.
Led by Marnus Labuschagne, Hyderabad Kingsmen are aiming to cap off a remarkable debut season with the championship title. In contrast, Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi are targeting their second PSL trophy, having last won the title in 2017 and finishing as runners-up in multiple seasons.
Zalmi have enjoyed a dominant campaign, powered by Babar Azam’s record-breaking 588 runs, along with strong contributions from Kusal Mendis and Sufyan Moqim. The team secured eight wins in 10 league matches, including an impressive seven-match winning streak, and sealed their place in the final with a convincing 70-run victory over Islamabad United in the Qualifier.
Meanwhile, Kingsmen’s journey has been nothing short of dramatic. After losing four consecutive matches early in the tournament—including a narrow defeat to Zalmi—they staged a remarkable comeback. The side went on a winning run, delivered a commanding victory over Rawalpindiz, and edged past Multan Sultans and Islamabad United in the eliminators to reach the final.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Babar Azam expressed confidence in his team’s balanced performance. “We have played really good cricket throughout the tournament. Our focus has been on understanding conditions and executing our plans,” he said.
Labuschagne described the season as an exciting journey for his side. “There have been ups and downs, but that’s what makes it special. It’s just another game for us, and we will stick to our processes,” he remarked.
The final promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams carrying momentum and ambition into what is expected to be a closely contested showdown.
