Babar Azam’s record ton sends Peshawar Zalmi into Pakistan Super League 11 final after 5 years

KARACHI: A masterclass from Babar Azam powered Peshawar Zalmi into the final of PSL 11 as they outclassed Islamabad United in the Qualifier at the National Stadium.

Chasing a daunting 222, Islamabad United faltered under mounting pressure and were bowled out for 151 in 18.4 overs, handing Zalmi a comprehensive victory.

United’s reply began with promise as Sameer Minhas and Devon Conway launched an aggressive start, racing to 58 inside five overs. Minhas led the charge, while Conway chipped in with a brisk 20 off 14 before falling.

The momentum shifted quickly after the first breakthrough. Minhas, who struck 44 off just 23 balls with seven fours and a six, looked dangerous until a sharp delivery from Aaron Hardie ended his stay. His dismissal triggered a collapse, with United slipping dramatically from 81-2 to 113-7.

Despite a brief resistance from Imad Wasim, who scored 22 off 15, the chase never recovered. Hardie starred with the ball, claiming three wickets, while Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit chipped in effectively.

Earlier, Zalmi’s innings was built around a sublime century from Babar Azam, who scored 103 off 59 deliveries. Opening alongside Mohammad Haris, Babar set the tone early as the pair powered the side to 68 without loss in the powerplay.

Haris contributed a quickfire 35 off 16 before falling to Shadab Khan, who later emerged as United’s most successful bowler with three wickets. Babar then stitched together a crucial 84-run partnership with Kusal Mendis, maintaining the scoring rate and keeping pressure on the opposition.

Although Zalmi lost a cluster of wickets in the death overs, Babar held firm, accelerating towards his century with a flurry of boundaries. His innings, laced with 12 fours and four sixes, marked one of the standout knocks of the tournament and only the fourth century in PSL history.

Zalmi eventually posted a formidable 221-7, a total that proved far beyond United’s reach.

With this dominant performance, Peshawar Zalmi march confidently into the PSL 11 final, driven by their captain’s brilliance and a well-rounded team effort.