Kusal Mendis, a standout player of the season, fell early in the PSL final on May 2, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, contributing to a shaky start for Peshawar Zalmi.
Mendis scored 9 runs off 8 balls before being caught by Maaz Sadaqat off the bowling of Hunain Shah. This early dismissal set a challenging tone for Zalmi, who lost both openers in the very first over.
Despite Mendis’ struggles, Peshawar Zalmi ultimately won the final against Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets. They chased down a target of 130 runs with 28 balls to spare, showcasing resilience after their rocky start.
Aaron Hardie played a crucial role in this victory, scoring 58 runs and taking 4 wickets. His partnership with Abdul Samad was particularly effective; together they accumulated 85 runs, stabilizing the innings after the early losses.
The Hyderabad Kingsmen faced difficulties throughout their innings, being bowled out for just 129 runs in 18 overs. Their performance fell short despite having an impressive season overall.
Kusal Mendis finished as the second-highest run-getter of the PSL season. His contribution throughout the tournament was significant, but this performance in the final highlighted the pressures of high-stakes matches.
The match took place during the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League. While Mendis’ future contributions remain uncertain following this disappointing finale, his overall impact on Peshawar Zalmi’s season cannot be understated.
