Babar Azam has made a stunning return to form as an opener, showcasing his skills with a remarkable unbeaten century in Peshawar Zalmi’s 118-run victory over Quetta Gladiators. Scoring 100 not out off 52 balls marks a significant turnaround for the former Pakistan captain, who is now the second-highest run-scorer of the season.
At 31 years old, Babar has accumulated 401 runs from seven matches, trailing only his teammate Kushal Mendis by a narrow margin. His contributions have been crucial to Peshawar Zalmi’s success, as they become the first team to secure a playoff spot. This resurgence is particularly uplifting for his fans, especially given his struggles during the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
During the World Cup, Babar faced significant challenges batting at number four, managing only 91 runs in six matches. His struggles were so pronounced that he was even left out of the critical Super Eight game against co-host Sri Lanka. However, his recent performances indicate a return to the shot-making prowess that previously established him as a formidable batsman on the global stage.
Babar’s classical batting style suited for opening has been reinvigorated, allowing him to leverage his strengths more effectively. The decision to bat him at number four in the T20 World Cup was criticized, as it did not align with his natural game. Now, with clarity in his role as an opener, Azhar Mahmood, Peshawar’s assistant coach, emphasizes that Babar should play according to his strengths.
His recent success was evident when he celebrated his century exuberantly, marking his third in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Babar expressed the deep satisfaction that comes with reaching such milestones, attributing his success to the support he feels blessed to receive.
While Babar revels in his renewed form, Mahmood insists that the franchise never lost faith in his abilities. The ex-all-rounder highlighted that Babar’s elegant batting style and ability to set the innings’ tempo have returned. Mahmood also took an implicit swipe at the management of the national team, suggesting that Babar’s potential was not fully realized during the T20 World Cup due to his batting position.
Critically, Mahmood underscored that proper utilization of a player like Babar can yield consistent results. He argued that assigning Babar a role suited to his skills is essential for maximizing his contributions. In the aftermath of the World Cup disappointment, where Pakistan failed to advance to the semifinals, Babar is now focused on leading Peshawar towards clinching their second PSL title.