Babar Azam’s unbeaten century powers Peshawar Zalmi to record win over Gladiators

KARACHI: Multan Sultans held their nerve in a high-scoring contest to defeat Karachi Kings by 11 runs, while Peshawar Zalmi delivered a dominant all-round performance to dismantle Quetta Gladiators by a massive 118-run margin in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

At the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, Multan Sultans successfully defended a daunting 207-run target in a match that went down to the final over. Karachi Kings, despite a spirited chase, were bowled out for 196 with just two balls remaining.

Karachi began their pursuit aggressively, with Jason Roy and Saad Baig providing early momentum. However, Arafat Minhas turned the game on its head with two crucial breakthroughs, removing Roy and Salman Ali Agha to leave the hosts under pressure.

Saad Baig’s quickfire cameo ended soon after, and Karachi slipped further into trouble at 47-3. Reeza Hendricks and Moeen Ali attempted to rebuild with a steady partnership, adding 67 runs to keep hopes alive. Hendricks led the effort with a composed 49, but his dismissal at a key moment derailed the chase.

With the required rate climbing, Karachi struggled to maintain momentum despite late resistance from Abbas Afridi, who smashed 34 off just 16 balls. Needing 18 off the final over, Mohammad Wasim held his nerve to seal the victory for Multan. Arafat Minhas emerged as the standout performer with three vital wickets.

Earlier, Multan Sultans posted a formidable total of 207-7 after being put in to bat. Their innings recovered well after the early loss of Steve Smith, as Josh Philippe and Awais Zafar stitched together a fluent 66-run partnership.

Philippe’s brisk 44 and Awais’ 36 laid the foundation, while Shan Masood added impetus with a quick 46. Karachi bowlers fought back in the middle overs, reducing Multan to 174-7, but Imran Randhawa’s explosive cameo of 26 off eight balls, including a 21-run final over, pushed the total beyond 200. Khushdil Shah was the pick of the bowlers for Karachi with three wickets.

In the second fixture, Peshawar Zalmi produced a batting masterclass followed by a ruthless bowling display to outclass Quetta Gladiators and strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Babar Azam once again proved why he remains one of the finest batters in T20 cricket, delivering a captain’s knock under pressure to lead Peshawar Zalmi’s charge. His unbeaten 100 off 52 balls was a blend of composure and calculated aggression, anchoring the innings before shifting gears explosively in the death overs. What stood out was his ability to accelerate at the perfect moment, smashing 37 runs off his last 12 deliveries to turn a strong total into a record-breaking one. The innings not only marked his 12th T20 century but also reinforced his reputation as a big-match player, guiding Zalmi toward a dominant victory and strengthening their push for a top-two finish.

Zalmi piled up a tournament-high 255-3, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from captain Babar Azam. The star batter smashed 100 off 52 deliveries, reaching the milestone on the final ball of the innings in a commanding display.

He was well supported by Kusal Mendis, who continued his fine form with an aggressive 83 off 44 balls. The duo added 135 runs in a dominant partnership that completely dismantled the Gladiators’ bowling attack.

Despite a brief early cameo from Mohammad Haris, it was Babar who anchored the innings before accelerating dramatically in the death overs, scoring 37 runs off his final 12 deliveries to cap off a memorable knock.

In reply, Quetta Gladiators never looked in contention as Zalmi’s bowlers tore through their lineup. Mohammad Basit struck early with key wickets, while young pacer Ali Raza impressed with his raw pace, claiming 3-9 in a fiery spell.

The Gladiators were reduced to 44-4 early in the chase and never recovered. A small partnership between Dinesh Chandimal and Bevon Jacobs provided some resistance, but the outcome was never in doubt as Quetta were bowled out for 137.

The emphatic victory not only boosted Zalmi’s net run rate but also placed them firmly in contention for a top-two finish as the tournament heads into its decisive phase.