Tag: Babar Azam

KARACHI: Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi shattered multiple records against Quetta Gladiators in the 29th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 played here at the National Bank Stadium on Sunday night.

Put into bat first, Zalmi racked up 255 for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs, largely due to a 135-run stand between Babar Azam and Kusal Mendis.

The total was the 2017 champions’ highest in PSL history and overall third in the tournament’s history. Earlier in the tournament, Zalmi had recorded 246-3 against Karachi Kings.

Highest totals in PSL history

Quetta Gladiators – 263/3 against Islamabad United in 2025
Multan Sultans – 262/3 against Quetta Gladiators in 2023
Peshawar Zalmi – 255/3 against Quetta Gladiators in 2026
Quetta Gladiators – 253/8 against Multan Sultans in 2023
Islamabad United – 251/5 against Karachi Kings in 2025

The foundation for a big total was laid by Babar, who scored an unbeaten 100 off only 52 balls, striking six fours and four sixes.

His 52-ball century, the fastest he has made in this prestigious league, allowed him to match the record for most PSL centuries, joining Kamran Akmal, Rilee Rossouw, and Usman Khan.

Additionally, Babar shared a 135-run partnership for the second wicket with Mendis, which also tied him with India’s Virat Kohli for the most century-plus stands in T20s.

Most 100 partnerships in T20 cricket

47 – Virat Kohli (India)
47 – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
46 – Chris Gayle (West Indies)
45 – David Warner (Australia)
40 – Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

Notably, Babar Azam only played one dot ball during his 52-ball innings. According to the ball-by-ball database, which includes over 3,000 innings of 50 or more balls in T20s worldwide, no batter has ever had as few as one dot ball in such an innings.

READ: PSL 11: Babar, Mendis and bowlers sink Quetta Gladiators

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi, led by star batter Babar Azam, have officially secured their place in the playoffs of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

The 2017 champions, currently sitting at the top of the eight-team points table with 13 points from seven matches, confirmed their qualification after Quetta Gladiators defeated Lahore Qalandars by six wickets on Friday.

The result ensured that Zalmi’s tally can no longer be overtaken by any side outside the top four by the conclusion of the league phase.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Zalmi began their campaign with an impressive five-wicket win over debutants Rawalpindiz in a high-scoring encounter.

Their following match against Islamabad United was washed out due to rain, but that proved to be only a minor interruption in what has otherwise been a dominant run.

From there, Zalmi stitched together a series of victories, overcoming Hyderabad Kingsmen, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators in succession to strengthen their grip on the top spot.

With qualification secured, Peshawar Zalmi will now turn their focus towards maintaining form heading into the knockout stages.

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They are scheduled to face Quetta Gladiators next on Sunday before travelling to Lahore for their remaining league fixtures against Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars on April 22 and 25, respectively.

This marks Zalmi’s 10th appearance in the PSL playoffs, underlining their consistency as one of the league’s most competitive sides.

Their only group-stage exit came last season, while their best moment remains the title-winning campaign in 2017. They have also finished as runners-up on three occasions, in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

READ: PSL 11: Glenn Maxwell creates history with rare T20 milestone

KARACHI: Ace batter Babar Azam on Wednesday became the fourth player overall to complete 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket. 

The Peshawar Zalmi skipper achieved the feat during his side’s clash against Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

With this milestone, Babar joined Australia’s David Warner, India’s Virat Kohli, and England’s Jos Buttler.

Most half-centuries in men’s T20s

David Warner (Australia) – 116 in 435 innings
Virat Kohli (India) – 107 in 401 innings
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 100 in 341 innings
Jos Buttler (England) – 100 in 468 innings

Notably, Babar has been in fine form in PSL 11 and currently sits second on the run-scorers’ chart. The right-hander has amassed 301 runs in six matches at an average of 75.25 at a strike rate of 132.59.

Babar scored an unbeaten 71 off 51 balls in Zalmi’s dominant win over Gladiators, marking his 100th half-century in T20s.

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Chasing a modest target of 155, Zalmi got off to a strong start as Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam put together a brisk 75-run opening stand. Haris scored 35 off 28 balls before being dismissed, but the platform had already been set.

Babar, anchoring the innings, found support from Kusal Mendis, who contributed 21 runs during a steady 49-run partnership. After Mendis departed, Babar ensured there were no late hiccups.

The Zalmi captain remained unbeaten on 71 off 51 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries, and guided his side home comfortably with nine balls to spare.

Earlier, Zalmi’s decision to field first proved spot on as Quetta struggled to build momentum and were bowled out for 154 in 20 overs.

Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit starred with the ball, both taking wickets.

For his outstanding bowling performance, Muqeem bagged his second player of the match award.

READ: Babar Azam credits bowlers for dominant win against Quetta Gladitors

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam credited bowlers after his side thumped Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Zalmi registered an eight-wicket win over Gladiators to extend their six-game unbeaten run in the tournament — six wins out of six games.

Sufiyan Muqeem delivered with the ball, scalping a three-wicket haul while Babar Azam made an unbeaten 71* from 51 balls with the aid of 10 fours.

Following this victory, Peshawar Zalmi have consolidated the top spot with 13 points and are on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Babar Azam discussed the conditions and praised the bowlers for delivering successfully throughout the fixtures.

“We assessed the conditions and our bowling attack has been delivering consistently and we were relying on it. It’s a team game, and combined effort is helping us win. We’re keeping the players sitting out ready and that’s why we see them performing well,” he remarked.

He also hailed emerging bowler Mohammad Basit Ali, who took a three-wicket haul.

“Take the example of Basit, who bowled fantastically,” said Babar.

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The skipper also mentioned his own form, noting that he tries to take the game deep to ensure his team crosses the finishing line.

“On my personal form, yes I feel good, when you spend time out in the middle, it gives you confidence and I am trying to carry my confidence and play a winning role. Focus has been on building partnerships and to take the game deep,” he concluded.

Peshawar Zalmi’s next fixture will be against Quetta Gladiators on April 19 at the same venue.

READ: Babar, Muqeem star in dominant win for Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI: Sufiyan Muqeem and Babar Azam propelled the dominant Peshawar Zalmi to a decisive eight-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators in the 23rd match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 here at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Zalmi chased down a mere target of 154 in 18.3 overs, losing only two wickets in the process.

Mohammad Haris and Babar Azam made light work of the chase, adding 75 in 8.4 overs. The former played the core aggressor role while the latter played the second fiddle.

Haris departed after hitting five fours and a six in his 35 from 28 balls.

Following his departure, in-form Kusal Mendis paired up with Babar and stitched a 49-run partnership that threw the Gladiators out of the game. There wasn’t much to cheer for Quetta Gladiators bowlers as Zalmi batters kept them at bay with their stroke play.

Mendis was eventually caught after scoring 21 off 19 balls. Meanwhile, Babar continued to anchor the innings and finished with a boundary.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

He top-scored with 71* from 51 balls laced with 10 fours while Aaron Hardie struck one boundary in his unbeaten 18 from 14 balls.

For Quetta Gladiators, Alzarri Joseph and Saud Shakeel picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi’s spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and pacer Mohammad Basit’s three-wicket haul bundled out Quetta Gladiators for a modest total

Put in to bat first, Quetta Gladiators’ shambolic batting display saw their innings folded for 154 in 20 overs.

The Gladiators lost their promoted opener, Ahsan Ali, for four in the first over.  Following the early wicket, Saud Shakeel and Rilee Rossouw added 35 for the second wicket partnership. The scorecard read 39 when skipper Saud was run out after making 16 from 13 balls.

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Peshawar Zalmi continued to chip away with wickets at regular intervals. Rossouw (26 off 18 balls) was cleaned up by Sufiyan Muqeem, whereas Shamyl Hussain departed for 12.

Consequently, Gladiators were 86-4 in 11.4 overs. The only silver lining was Hassan Nawaz, who top-scored with 37 off 35, including four boundaries.  He was involved in a brief 26-run stand with Khawaja Nafay before getting caught behind.

Nafay could not get going as well and was lbw for 20.

Peshawar Zalmi bowlers squeezed the runs flow and eventually bowled the opposition out on the final ball of the innings.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Sufiyan Muqeem and Mohammad Basit shared six wickets between them.

READ: Rilee Rossouw sets PSL record during Peshawar Zalmi clash

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam expressed confidence in maintaining the team’s winning momentum in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Zalmi’s 24-run victory over Multan Sultans marked their fifth win in the tournament, strengthening their top position on the points table.

The stars of the match were Kusal Mendis and Sufiyan Muqeem, with the former top-scoring with 68 while the latter returned with a three-wicket haul.

Speaking to the media after the match, Babar praised the players for their impressive performances.

“I am thoroughly enjoying playing this season. Our players are working hard in every department,” he told reporters.

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“The plan is for the top three batters to provide a strong start, after which the other players should take the score forward,” Babar revealed.

The skipper termed every match important, noting that they have learned from past mistakes.

“Our effort is to perform well in every match. We have learned a lot from our mistakes,” Babar maintained.

He talked about conditions and highlighted the different nature of the game, which could vary depending on the opposition.

“The aim is to maintain the strong performances from the last five matches. It is my opinion that conditions are not the same every day, and it is not easy to understand conditions on a daily basis.”

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

Regarding strike rate, Babar said maintaining a strike rate can be challenging sometimes, while emphasizing the role of partnerships.

“We have to play according to the team’s requirements. I know if I am coming in the power play, I have to utilize the fielding restrictions. ”

“Sometimes it is not easy to maintain the strike rate. Partnerships are for this purpose because if one batter is struggling, then the other could assist him,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 11: Naqvi to request PM Shehbaz for fan attendance in stadiums

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam hailed the team’s all-around performance against Lahore Qalandars in the 19th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. 

Zalmi dominated Qalandars, sealing a decisive 76-run victory here at the National Bank Stadium after posting 173-7 on the board at the end of the 20 overs.

Kusal Mendis starred again with the bat, scoring 74 from 48 balls, and earned the player of the match award.

Meanwhile, Babar anchored the innings with 43 off 40 balls, including a six and three fours.

In reply, Lahore Qalandars were bowled out cheaply for 97 in 17 overs, thanks to Sufyan Muqeem and Michael Bracewell’s spin bowling.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

During the post-match presentation, Babar commended Peshawar Zalmi for a strong performance and revealed the game plan in the first six overs.

“It was a strong performance, especially with the way we started with the bat. We recognized early on that the pitch was playing a little differently, so our primary plan was to fully utilize the first six overs while the ball was hard,” he said.

“Once the Powerplay ended, the conditions became significantly slower, so we made a conscious effort to consolidate and ensure we didn’t lose wickets in clusters. Kusal Mendis played exceptionally well during that phase to keep the pressure on,” he added.

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The right-hander also talked about his own form, noting that staying on the crease longer boosts his confidence.

“On a personal level, it always feels better the more time you spend out in the middle. When you stay at the crease, the runs start to come more naturally, and your confidence grows,” the skipper explained.

“My focus is always on doing what is best for the team—whether that’s rotating the strike to keep things moving or finding that odd boundary from time to time to keep the momentum in our favor,” he concluded.

READ: Here’s why David Warner is not playing against Hyderabad Kingsmen

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam etched his name deeper into the record books on Saturday, becoming the first batter to score 4000 runs in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The milestone came during Peshawar Zalmi’s ongoing PSL 11 clash against defending champions Lahore Qalandars at the National Bank Stadium.

Coming into the match, Babar required 39 runs to reach the landmark and got there with a single off Usama Mir on the first ball of the 14th over.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The leg-spinner, however, had the final say shortly after, dismissing the Zalmi captain in the following over. Babar ended his innings with a composed 43 off 40 deliveries.

Having featured in the league since its inaugural edition in 2016, Babar has been the most consistent performer in PSL history and now sits comfortably at the top of the all-time run charts.

He is followed by Fakhar Zaman, who has amassed 3018 runs, and Mohammad Rizwan, who has 2853 runs to his name.

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Most runs in PSL

• Babar Azam (IU, KK, PZ) – 4004 runs
• Fakhar Zaman (LQ) – 3018 runs
• Mohammad Rizwan (KK, LQ, MS, RWP) – 2853 runs
• Rilee Rossouw (MS, QG) – 2366 runs
• Shoaib Malik (KK, MS, PZ, QG) – 2350 runs

Beyond the milestone, Babar has also been in fine touch in the ongoing PSL 11 season.

The right-hander is currently the third leading run-scorer in the season, having accumulated 212 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 70.66, while maintaining a strike rate of 135.89.

READ: Lahore Qalandars suffer major blow ahead of Peshawar Zalmi clash

KARACHI: Babar Azam etched his name deeper into the record books on Thursday, becoming the fastest batter in men’s T20 history to reach 12,000 runs, surpassing the long-standing mark held by Chris Gayle.

The milestone came during Peshawar Zalmi’s high-scoring Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Karachi Kings at the National Stadium.

Babar, who needed just 13 runs before the match, brought up the landmark in style by launching Khushdil Shah for a six over mid-on in the fourth over.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

In doing so, the Zalmi skipper became the 12th player in men’s T20 cricket to cross the 12,000-run mark, joining an elite list featuring the likes of Kieron Pollard, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, David Warner and Shoaib Malik.

Babar reached the milestone in just 338 innings, bettering Gayle’s previous record of 343 innings, while Kohli sits third on the list, having taken 360 innings to get there.

Fastest to 12,000 Runs in Men’s T20s

• Babar Azam – 338 innings
• Chris Gayle – 343 innings
• Virat Kohli – 360 innings
• David Warner – 368 innings
• Jos Buttler – 405 innings

Despite losing the record, Gayle continues to lead the all-time T20 run charts with 14,562 runs, followed closely by Pollard.

Babar Azam capped off his milestone performance with a dominant unbeaten 87, powering Zalmi to a formidable total of 246 for 3.

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The bowlers then completed a comprehensive performance, skittling Karachi Kings for just 87 to seal a massive 159-run victory.

The emphatic win lifted Zalmi to second place on the PSL 11 points table, with three wins from their first four matches, further underlining their strong start to the campaign.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan released from Multan Sultans squad

KARACHI: Babar Azam chose to steer clear of comparisons with Virat Kohli, responding firmly to a question on the subject after his team, Peshawar Zalmi, registered a tense last-ball victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 at the National Bank Stadium.

Chasing a modest yet tricky 146-run target, Zalmi were pushed to the limit on a challenging surface before eventually getting over the line on the final delivery with four wickets in hand.

Babar played a key role in the chase with a composed 43 off 37 balls but fell at a crucial juncture, leaving his side needing 30 runs from the final five overs.

The post-match press conference, however, shifted focus from the result to an all-too-familiar debate of Babar’s ability to finish games and his frequent comparisons with Kohli.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The Zalmi skipper appeared unimpressed with the line of questioning and quickly dismissed the comparison.

“Leave that topic. You can end it there,” Babar said, cutting short the question before elaborating on his approach instead.

He emphasised that match situations, rather than comparisons, dictate his style of play, highlighting the importance of reading conditions and building partnerships.

“The main thing is the scenario, what the team requires, what the run rate is, how to play, and how the pitch is behaving. You have to plan your game accordingly and build partnerships for the team,” he explained.

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Babar Azam also pointed out that execution is not always straightforward, especially on difficult surfaces where even well-timed shots may not yield results.

“Sometimes you think it is an easy pitch, but you cannot execute, shots are hit, but not finding the gaps. You try but do not get the runs,” he said.

Reflecting on criticism around his finishing ability, the right-hander insisted that improvement is a gradual process and backed his record in pressure situations.

“In those moments, I remind myself of my strengths and my game plan, my best way of playing. Improvement comes with time; sometimes it takes months. I have finished a lot of matches; you may think I have not, but I have finished many,” he added.

READ: Hassan Khan breaks silence on decision to leave Pakistan for USA