By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: A masterclass century from captain Babar Azam catapulted Peshawar Zalmi into the HBL PSL 11 final as they dismantled Islamabad United by 70 runs in a one-sided Qualifier at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.
Babar’s 103 off 59 balls anchored Zalmi’s total of 221-7, a target that proved far beyond reach of United that crumbled for 151 under pressure of a clinical bowling display led by Aaron Hardie.
After being put in to bat, Zalmi signaled their intent early. Mohammad Haris provided the initial spark, hitting five boundaries and two sixes in a rapid 35 before falling to Shadab Khan. His departure only paved the way for the defining partnership of the match. Babar and Kusal Mendis (41) put on 84 runs for the second wicket, punishing any width offered by the United bowlers.
Babar was the protagonist, striking 12 fours and four sixes, his second century of the season and fourth in his PSL career. He reached his milestone with elegant placement and ruthless efficiency, navigating a mid-innings wobble where Shadab Khan (3-42) removed Michael Bracewell and Abdul Samad in consecutive deliveries. Late cameos, including a massive six from Aaron Hardie, pushed the total past 220.
Islamabad’s chase began with promise as Devon Conway and Sameer Minhas raced to 58 within five overs. However, once Michael Bracewell dismissed Conway for 20, the momentum shifted irrevocably.
Minhas top-scored for United with 44, including seven boundaries, but he found no sustained support. Aaron Hardie tore through the middle order, claiming the prized scalp of Shadab Khan (6) and finishing with figures of 3-24.
The United lower order offered little resistance against the spin of Sufiyan Muqeem (2-25) and the pace of Mohammad Basit (2-19). The innings folded in the 19th over when Salman Mirza was caught behind, leaving Zalmi to celebrate a dominant path to the title decider.
Summarised scores
Peshawar Zalmi: 221-7 (20 Overs)
Babar Azam c Mohsin Riaz b Salman Mirza — 103 (59b, 12×4, 4×6), Kusal Mendis c Sameer Minhas b Faheem Ashraf — 41 (26b, 5×4, 1×6), Mohammad Haris c Chapman b Shadab Khan — 35 (16b, 5×4, 2×6), Aaron Hardie lbw b Gleeson — 20 (10b, 2×4, 1×6), Shadab Khan: 4-0-42-3, Richard Gleeson: 4-0-45-2, Salman Mirza: 3-0-35-1
Key Partnership: 84 runs (Babar Azam & Kusal Mendis) for the 2nd wicket.
Islamabad United: 151 all out (18.4 Overs)
Sameer Minhas c Babar Azam b Hardie — 44 (23b, 7×4, 1×6), Mohsin Riaz c Abdul Samad b Muqeem — 25 (20b, 1×4, 1×6),
Imad Wasim c & b Mohammad Basit — 22 (15b, 4×4, 0x6), Devon Conway c Abdul Samad b Bracewell — 20 (14b, 1×4, 2×6),
Aaron Hardie: 4-0-24-3, Mohammad Basit: 3.4-0-19-2, Sufiyan Muqeem: 4-0-25-2, Key Partnership: 58 runs (Devon Conway & Sameer Minhas) for the 1st wicket.
