Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam recorded a 52-ball century against Quetta Gladiators, his fastest in Pakistan Super League (PSL) career. Babar scored his century at a strike rate of 192.31, featuring six fours and four sixes. He faced just one dot ball in his entire knock at National Stadium, Karachi, on April 19.
This was Babar’s 12th T20 (T20Is, domestic T20s and franchises T20) century. He is only behind West Indies legend Chris Gayle (22 centuries) on the list. This was his third PSL century. He equalled the record for most centuries. Others with three PSL centuries are Usman Khan, Kamran Akmal and Rilee Rossouw.
Babar in Kohli’s league
Peshawar Zalmi posted a gigantic total of 255/3 on the board. Babar and Kusal Mendis shared a 135-run partnership. This was 47th 100-plus partnership Babar has been involved in during his T20 career. He equals the record held by India's Virat Kohli. Babar surpassed Gayle who has shared 46 100-plus partnership in T20s.
Babar back in form
Babar crossed the 400-run mark for the sixth time in his PSL career. He is only behind teammate Mendis on the list of leading run-scorer in PSL 2026. He also ended the drought of T20 centuries.
Long wait for T20 century ends
Babar’s 12th T20 century came after a huge gap of 67 innings. During this period his strike rate, position as opener has been under the scanner in Pakistan team. He had a poor Big Bash League (BBL) season as well with Sydney Sixers which ended with controversy.
Big win for Peshawar Zalmi
Apart from Babar, Mendis contributed with a 44-ball 83. Later, Farhan Yousaf (8-ball 19) and Aaron Hardie's (10-ball 26) cameos took Zalmi to 255/3, their highest ever PSL total. It is also the third-highest total in PSL history. On course to a record-breaking total, Zalmi batters didn't spare Usman Tariq. The spinner with unorthodox action was hit for 50 runs in his quota of four overs.
Gladiators never looked like they were alive in the run chase. The Saud Shakeel-led side was bowled out for 137 in 18.1 overs, losing the match by 118 runs. Zalmi guaranteed themselves a top two finish with a massive win. The Babar-led side is yet to lose a match this season.