Babar’s dominant Zalmi face Labuschagne’s resurgent Kingsmen in high-stakes PSL 11 finale

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: The 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) reaches its climax on Sunday as the high-flying Peshawar Zalmi face off against the tournament’s “fairytale” success story, Hyderabad Kingsmen, in a high-stakes final at the Gaddafi Stadium.
The 44-match season concludes with a historic financial incentive on the line. For the first time, the league has introduced separate rewards for franchises: the champions will pocket USD 500,000, the runners-up USD 300,000, and a further USD 200,000 will be awarded to the franchise demonstrating the best player development. The players’ prize pool for the winning team stands at an additional USD 500,000.
Peshawar’s Dominance
Led by Pakistan’s talismanic batsman Babar Azam, Peshawar Zalmi enter the final as clear favorites. Zalmi dominated the league stage, winning eight of their ten matches, including a blistering seven-game winning streak.
Babar has led from the front with a record-breaking 588 runs, supported by Kusal Mendis, who has amassed 541. On the bowling front, Sufiyan Moqeem’s 21 wickets have been pivotal while the return of express pacer Nahid Rana, who took seven wickets in just four league games, boosts their arsenal for the final.
Zalmi, champions in 2017 but three-time runners-up since, secured their final berth by crushing Islamabad United by 70 runs in the Qualifier in Karachi.
“Our focus has been on assessing the conditions and executing plans,” Babar told reporters at the pre-final press conference.
“It has been a combined effort from local and overseas players. We hope to give our best in front of a jam-packed stadium.”
The Kingsmen’s Recovery
In contrast, Marnus Labuschagne’s Hyderabad Kingsmen have endured a volatile journey to the final. Their season began disastrously with four consecutive losses, including a last-ball heartbreaker against Zalmi.
However, Kingsmen mounted a stunning comeback, eventually ousting defending champions Lahore Qalandars on net run rate. They reached the final the hard way, knocking out Multan Sultans in the first Eliminator before clinching a two-run thriller against Islamabad United in Eliminator 2.
“Leading this side has been exciting; there have been ups and downs, but that’s what makes it good,” Labuschagne said.
“Tomorrow is just another game, and we will stick to our processes.”
Logistics and Ceremony
A capacity crowd is expected in Lahore, with fans advised to arrive by 6:00 PM local time. The match will be preceded by a closing ceremony at 6:30 PM, before the first ball is bowled in what is expected to be a sold-out finale.
While Zalmi chase their second title to end a nine-year drought, Kingsmen are looking to complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds in T20 franchise history by securing their maiden trophy.