Perth Scorchers all-rounder Aaron Hardie has created history in the Pakistan Super League final, as his Peshawar Zalmi were crowned the competition’s champions for the first time since 2017.
Hardie Makes History In PSL Final
Hardie became the first player in a PSL final to take four wickets and hit an unbeaten half-century as his side cruised to a five-wicket win over Hyderabad Kingsmen in Lahore.
After being hit for two boundaries in the first three balls of his spell by fellow Australian Marnus Labuschagne, Hardie struck back to have him caught behind on his fourth ball and turn momentum back in his side’s favour.
Hardie then claimed the wicket of the Hassan Khan, who hit two boundaries in a seven-ball stay, to leave Kingsmen reeling at 7-90 after 10 overs.
The 27-year-old returned to take the final two wickets of the innings and finish with his best T20 figures of 4-27.
Chasing 130 for victory, Peshawar Zalmi’s chase got off to the worst possible start, losing two wickets in the first over, including Captain Babar Azam for a first-ball duck.
Despite the early wickets, Hardie hit three of his first eight balls to the boundary to keep his side on track for victory.
Hardie was again called upon to steady Zalmi’s run chase when Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell fell in quick succession to leave them 4-40.
Abdul Samad (48 off 34) joined Hardie at the crease and put on a match-winning 85-run partnership to guide Zalmi to safety.
It was Hardie’s second title for 2026, having played in the BBL Final earlier this year.
Hardie said he had enjoyed his first experience in the PSL.
“I’m super grateful to be part of the Zalmi and get to know everyone,” Hardie said post-match.
“We’ve had a successful season, which has been great.”
Hardie finished the season with 133 runs at 44.33 at a strike rate of 149.43 from his six outings.
He was equally successful with the ball, claiming 11 wickets at 12.81 and a tidy economy rate of 7.42.
Hardie also paid tribute to Zalmi’s coaching and support staff, including Ottis Gibson, Azhar Mahmood and Misbah Ul-Haq, for their guidance through the tournament.
“I’ve spent a fair bit of time in the sub-continent, but I haven’t played too much here,” Hardie said.
“To come here and get a nice run into the finals has been awesome.
“To be able to learn off legends of the game that we’ve got in our team and to learn off fellow players that have done so well in these conditions, it’s been a great learning curve.”