Babar Azam’s golden duck in the PSL 2026 final denied him the chance to become the highest run-getter in a single Pakistan Super League season. The match took place on May 3, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Peshawar Zalmi faced Hyderabad Kingsmen.
Peshawar Zalmi has been dominant throughout the tournament, losing only one league match. They bundled out Hyderabad Kingsmen for just 129 runs in the final. Aaron Hardie was instrumental, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs.
Babar Azam is currently the top run-getter of the tournament with 588 runs. His dismissal without scoring was a significant moment that impacted his quest for a record-breaking season. Observers noted that he missed a massive opportunity.
The official reserve day for the match is May 4, and officials have confirmed there are zero chances of rain, ensuring a full game is likely. The match started at 8:00 PM local time, under clear skies.
Peshawar Zalmi will receive USD 500,000 as prize money for winning, while Hyderabad Kingsmen will take home USD 300,000 as runners-up. This financial incentive highlights the importance of the PSL.
Peshawar Zalmi won their first and only title in 2017 and aimed to reclaim glory this year. Babar Azam’s absence from scoring impacted not just his individual aspirations but also reflected on the team’s performance.
The next match for both teams is yet to be announced, but Peshawar Zalmi will look to build on their success. Meanwhile, Hyderabad Kingsmen will aim to regroup after this defeat.