Babar Azam delivered an outstanding performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as Peshawar Zalmi decisively defeated Quetta Gladiators by 118 runs. The match took place at National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Sunday, showcasing Azam’s remarkable skills.
Azam scored an impressive unbeaten 100 runs off just 52 balls, making him one of the standout players of the season with a total of 401 runs so far. His efforts helped Peshawar Zalmi reach a formidable total of 255 runs for three wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
In addition to Azam, Sri Lankan Kusal Mendis made a significant contribution with 83 runs off 44 balls, hitting ten fours and three sixes. The duo formed a solid partnership, putting on 135 runs for the second wicket. Mendis is currently the highest scorer of the tournament, having amassed 413 runs in total.
Peshawar Zalmi’s bowlers, particularly young pacers Ali Raza and Mohammad Basit, played a crucial role in restricting Quetta Gladiators to just 137 runs in 18.1 overs. Raza took three wickets for just nine runs, while Basit claimed three wickets for 26 runs, effectively dismantling the opposition’s batting order.
With this victory, Peshawar Zalmi maintains a solid position at the top of the table with 15 points from eight matches, five points ahead of Multan Sultans, who have played one match less. Islamabad United follows in third place with nine points from seven outings.
Quetta Gladiators, along with Hyderabad Kingsmen, Lahore Qalandars, and Karachi Kings, are all tied at six points each. However, Quetta currently holds the fourth position based on net run rate, which is crucial as the top four teams will advance to the playoffs.
In summary, the brief scores from the match highlight Peshawar Zalmi’s dominant performance: they scored 255-3, led by Babar Azam’s century and Kusal Mendis’s significant innings. Quetta Gladiators could only manage 137 all out, with Bevon Jacobs top-scoring for them with 34 runs. Babar Azam was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution.