Peshawar Zalmi, one of the most popular franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has established itself as a formidable team in the league’s history. Founded in 2015, the franchise has quickly become a fan favorite due to its exciting brand of cricket, strong leadership, and passionate fan base, known as the “Zalmi Nation.”
In this article, we will explore Peshawar Zalmi’s journey in the PSL, their achievements, and how many trophies they have won since the inception of the league.
1. Peshawar Zalmi’s Performance in PSL
Peshawar Zalmi has been a consistent competitor in the Pakistan Super League and has made it to the playoffs in almost every season. While they have faced stiff competition from other franchises, their performances have earned them recognition as one of the top teams in PSL history. Over the years, they have built a squad with talented local players and international stars, which has helped them stay competitive.
1.1 PSL Final Appearances
Peshawar Zalmi has made several memorable appearances in the final stages of the tournament, with one of their most significant achievements being their victory in the 2017 PSL. Let’s take a closer look at their trophy count and final appearances.
2. Peshawar Zalmi’s Trophy Count
2.1 Pakistan Super League 2017 – The Championship
Peshawar Zalmi’s major achievement came in 2017, when they won the Pakistan Super League title for the first time. Under the leadership of their then-captain, Darren Sammy, Zalmi lifted the trophy after an exciting final. They defeated Quetta Gladiators in the final, winning by 58 runs. This victory was monumental for the team as it secured their place as one of the most successful franchises in PSL history.
Key Highlights of the 2017 PSL Final:
- Peshawar Zalmi scored 148/6 in their 20 overs.
- Quetta Gladiators were restricted to 90/8 in their 20 overs, handing Zalmi a commanding victory.
- Darren Sammy, the captain, played a crucial role in leading his team to victory, making his leadership a key factor in their success.
2.2 PSL 2018 – Runners-Up
In the very next season, 2018, Peshawar Zalmi finished as the runners-up. They reached the final for the second consecutive year, where they faced Islamabad United, one of the most dominant teams in the PSL. However, Zalmi was defeated in the final by Islamabad United, who won by 3 wickets in a thrilling encounter. Despite the loss, reaching the final again was a significant achievement, showcasing their consistency and competitiveness.
2.3 PSL 2021 – Semifinalists
In 2021, Peshawar Zalmi did not make it to the final, but they managed to reach the semifinals. They were knocked out by Multan Sultans, who went on to win the tournament. While they did not clinch the title, the team’s performance in reaching the latter stages of the competition proved their strength and ability to compete with the best.
3. Other Achievements
In addition to their PSL title in 2017, Peshawar Zalmi has consistently been a top contender throughout the history of the league. Some of their notable achievements include:
- Player of the Tournament Awards: Zalmi has had individual players who shone in every season, with key contributions from the likes of Kamran Akmal (who won the Player of the Tournament award in PSL 2017) and Shoaib Malik.
- Playoff Appearances: Peshawar Zalmi has made frequent playoff appearances, consistently finishing in the top half of the standings, which speaks to their depth and balance as a team.
4. Conclusion: Peshawar Zalmi’s Trophy Count
As of now, Peshawar Zalmi has won 1 PSL title (2017). Despite the fierce competition from other teams, they have proven to be one of the most successful franchises in the PSL’s history, finishing as runners-up in 2018 and consistently making it to the later stages of the tournament.
The team continues to be a force to reckon with in the Pakistan Super League, and fans around the world, especially in Peshawar and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, remain hopeful that the Zalmi Nation will soon add more trophies to their cabinet in future seasons.
