Peshawar Zalmi have officially qualified for the PSL 2026 Final after defeating Islamabad United by 70 runs in a thrilling Playoff 1 clash. With this victory, Zalmi move just one step away from becoming PSL 2026 champions. Batting first, Peshawar posted a strong total after a composed yet aggressive batting display, putting Islamabad under pressure early in the chase. Despite a late fightback from United’s middle order, Zalmi’s bowling attack maintained control during crucial moments and successfully defended the target to secure a direct place in the final.
The biggest star of the night was once again King Babar Azam, who delivered another masterclass innings under pressure. Babar played with elegance, control, and remarkable confidence, anchoring the innings beautifully while accelerating at the right moments. His century was the foundation of Zalmi’s victory and marked his second hundred of PSL 2026, further strengthening his reputation as one of the greatest batters in modern T20 cricket. From timing boundaries effortlessly to controlling the tempo of the innings, Babar once again proved why he remains the heart of Peshawar Zalmi’s title charge.
Hyderabad Kingsmen Keep PSL Dream Alive With Stunning Knockout Victory
Hyderabad Kingsmen produced one of the most memorable performances of PSL 2026, defeating Multan Sultans in a high-pressure playoff clash to keep their championship dream alive. In what is remarkably their very first PSL season, Hyderabad have already exceeded expectations by reaching this stage of the tournament, and they are now just one victory away from qualifying for the grand final. Chasing a challenging target under immense pressure, the Kingsmen showed composure and fearless intent throughout the innings, eventually sealing the win with a clinical finish that shocked many cricket fans across the league.
The hero of the night was Saim Ayub, whose explosive and fearless innings completely shifted momentum in Hyderabad’s favour and earned him the Player of the Match award. Alongside him, Mohammad Rizwan once again anchored the innings with calm leadership and maturity during crucial moments. Hyderabad’s bowling unit also deserves major praise for restricting Multan during key phases of the match, especially in the death overs. From being underestimated at the start of the season to now standing one step away from the PSL 2026 Final, Hyderabad Kingsmen have become the tournament’s biggest success story and now prepare for a massive showdown against Islamabad United for a place in the final.
Lahore Qalandars Crash Out as Fans Criticize Shahid Afridi’s Strategy
Lahore Qalandars have officially been eliminated from the PSL 2026 playoff race, delivering a major setback for one of the league’s most passionate fanbases. Despite flashes of strong performances, the team failed to maintain consistency in crucial moments and lost momentum in key matches. The disappointment has been especially heavy among supporters, who expected a stronger campaign this season. Many fans have openly criticized Shahid Afridi’s tactical decisions and match strategy, questioning key team selections and on-field choices.
