Babar Azam delivered another unforgettable performance as Peshawar Zalmi crushed Islamabad United by 70 runs in the Pakistan Super League 2026 Qualifier at the National Stadium. The Zalmi skipper smashed a magnificent 103 runs from just 59 deliveries, guiding his side to a massive total of 221/7 before Islamabad were bowled out for 151.
Babar’s innings included 12 boundaries and four sixes and once again highlighted why he remains one of the most consistent batters in franchise cricket. The century was his second hundred of the ongoing PSL season, making him only the second batter in tournament history to score two centuries in a single edition. He joined Usman Khan, who first achieved the milestone in PSL 9.
The hundred also helped Babar equal another major PSL record. He now has four PSL centuries to his name, level with Usman Khan for the most centuries in league history. Former Zalmi star Kamran Akmal sits behind them with three hundreds, alongside Rilee Rossouw and Fakhar Zaman.
Babar also matched Fakhar Zaman’s long-standing record for the most runs scored in a single PSL season. Fakhar had scored 588 runs during the 2022 season for Lahore Qalandars, and Babar has now reached the same tally in only 10 innings this year. The Zalmi captain currently averages an incredible 98.00 with a strike rate of 146.63, including two centuries and three half-centuries this season.
Another major contribution for Zalmi came from Kusal Mendis, whose consistent performances throughout the tournament have strengthened the batting lineup. Babar also praised Mohammad Haris for providing explosive starts in the powerplay, allowing the middle order to build pressure on opponents during crucial stages of matches.
Speaking after receiving the Player of the Match award, Babar said he finally feels close to regaining his best form. He explained that the hard work done before the tournament is now producing results on the field. The Zalmi captain added that he wants to maintain the same consistency in the remaining matches and continue contributing to the team’s success.
Babar reserved special praise for Aaron Hardie, Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit for their impressive bowling efforts during Islamabad’s chase. According to the Zalmi skipper, their spell completely shifted momentum and sealed a comfortable victory for the side.
With only one defeat in the entire campaign, Peshawar Zalmi now head into the PSL 11 final carrying strong momentum and confidence. More importantly, their captain is peaking at the perfect time and continues to rewrite PSL record books with every innings.
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