Peshawar Zalmi face Hyderabad Kingsmen in the PSL 2026 final at Lahore, with both teams aiming to cap their campaigns with the title. Zalmi enter as dominant table-toppers, while Hyderabad seek to complete a remarkable turnaround in their debut season.
Match details
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium
Date: May 3, 2026
Time: 07:30 PM IST | 07:00 PM PKT | 02:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
Peshawar Zalmi have been the most consistent side in the tournament. Led by Babar Azam, they topped the league stage with eight wins in ten matches, losing only once while one game was washed out. Their dominance continued in the Qualifier, where they defeated Islamabad United by 70 runs to secure a direct place in the final. With a settled lineup and strong performances across departments, Zalmi will look to maintain their authority.
Hyderabad Kingsmen have scripted one of the most compelling stories of PSL 2026. After starting their campaign with four consecutive defeats, they bounced back strongly to win seven of their last eight matches. They finished fourth in the league stage but carried their momentum into the playoffs, defeating Multan Sultans in Eliminator 1 and Islamabad United in Eliminator 2. Under the leadership of Marnus Labuschagne, Hyderabad have shown resilience and adaptability.
Key players
Babar Azam has been the standout performer of the tournament. The Zalmi captain has scored 588 runs in 10 innings at an average of 84 and a strike rate of 146.27. His consistency at the top provides a solid foundation for his team.
Sufiyan Muqeem has been exceptional with the ball for Peshawar Zalmi. The left-arm spinner leads the wicket-taking charts with 21 wickets in 10 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 14 and an economy rate of 7.35. His role in the middle overs could be decisive.
For Hyderabad Kingsmen, their batting lineup featuring players like Usman Khan and Glenn Maxwell will be crucial in countering Zalmi’s bowling attack.
Head-to-head record
Peshawar Zalmi have the upper hand in their limited meetings.
Matches played: 1
Peshawar Zalmi wins: 1
Hyderabad Kingsmen wins: 0
No result: 0
Their only encounter earlier this season saw Zalmi chase down a target of 146 on the final ball.
Pitch report
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has offered batting-friendly conditions throughout the tournament. The average first-innings score in the last five matches stands around 188, indicating high-scoring contests. Chasing teams have enjoyed more success, making the toss crucial. Any target below 180 is likely to be chased comfortably, putting pressure on the team batting first to post a competitive total.
Probable playing XIs
Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris (wk), Babar Azam (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Farhan Yousaf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Michael Bracewell, Aaron Hardie, Abdul Samad, Khurram Shahzad, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mohammad Basit
Hyderabad Kingsmen: Maaz Sadaqat, Saim Ayub, Marnus Labuschagne (c), Usman Khan (wk), Kusal Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Hassan Khan, Irfan Khan, Hunain Shah, Mohammad Ali, Akif Javed
Probable match scenarios
If Peshawar Zalmi bat first, they are expected to post a total between 180 and 190, with a powerplay score of 45 to 55. Hyderabad Kingsmen, if chasing, could aim for a slightly higher range between 185 and 195, with a powerplay score of 50 to 60. The chasing side is likely to have an advantage based on recent trends at the venue.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: No official broadcast or streaming available
Pakistan: Official PSL broadcasters on TV and digital platforms
UK: Coverage through designated sports channels and streaming services
Australia: Available via partner sports broadcasters and apps
Global: Selected international platforms and official PSL streaming services
Match prediction
Peshawar Zalmi enter the final as favorites due to their consistent performances and dominance throughout the tournament. Hyderabad Kingsmen carry strong momentum and confidence after successive knockout wins, making them a dangerous opponent. Conditions in Lahore favor chasing, which could influence the outcome significantly. With a higher win probability and a more stable campaign, Peshawar Zalmi hold the edge, but Hyderabad Kingsmen have the potential to pull off an upset if they sustain their recent form.
