The match began with high expectations. Peshawar Zalmi had been riding on Mendis’s impressive season—he was the second-highest run-getter of the tournament. Yet, they endured a disastrous start, losing both openers in the very first over. Commentators noted, “Kusal Mendis goes. It’s full outside off, shapes away…” The weight of his absence was palpable.

Despite this rocky beginning, Peshawar Zalmi rallied to clinch their second PSL title by chasing down a target of 130 runs with 28 balls to spare. Aaron Hardie emerged as the star of the match, scoring 58 runs and taking 4 wickets. His partnership with Abdul Samad—85 runs—was crucial in stabilizing the innings after Mendis’s departure.

Key match statistics:

• Kusal Mendis: 9 runs off 8 balls
• Peshawar Zalmi chased down 130 runs
• Hyderabad Kingsmen bowled out for 129 runs in 18 overs
• Aaron Hardie: 58 runs and 4 wickets
• Peshawar Zalmi won by five wickets

As fans celebrated Zalmi’s victory, there lingered questions about Mendis’s performance and its implications for future matches. Would his early exit serve as a wake-up call for the team? Or could they continue to thrive despite such setbacks? While Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious this time, the uncertainty surrounding their lineup remains—especially with key players like Mendis needing to perform consistently.

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