By Alam Zeb Safi
KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam struck a masterclass unbeaten century to propel his side to a dominant 118-run victory over Quetta Gladiators in their HBL PSL 11 match at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Babar’s 100 off 52 balls anchored a record-breaking total of 255-3, before a disciplined bowling performance led by Mohammad Basit and Ali Raza dismantled the Gladiators for 137.
The win took Zalmi to 15 points from eight matches. They have already qualified for the playoffs.
After being asked to field, Quetta’s bowlers struggled to find their rhythm as Zalmi’s openers took an aggressive stance. While Mohammad Haris (16) fell early to Alzarri Joseph, Babar Azam found an ideal partner in Kusal Mendis.
The pair put on a 135-run stand for the second wicket, devastating the Quetta attack. Mendis played the role of the aggressor initially, smashing 83 off 44 deliveries, including ten boundaries and three sixes. Babar, meanwhile, accumulated runs with clinical precision, reaching his milestone in the final stages of the innings with a blend of classic drives and innovative lofted shots.
Late cameos from Farhan Yousaf (19) and Aaron Hardie (26* off 10) ensured Zalmi reached a daunting 255-3, the highest total of the season and also the highest from Zalmi in their PSL history.
This is also the third highest total of the PSL history.
Chasing a mountain, Quetta Gladiators never gained the necessary momentum. The chase began to unravel in the fourth over when Mohammad Basit struck twice in two balls, removing captain Saud Shakeel (12) and Rilee Rossouw for a golden duck.
The middle order offered little resistance against a varied Zalmi attack. Bevon Jacobs top-scored for the Gladiators with 34, but his efforts were isolated. Ali Raza proved to be the pick of the bowlers, finishing with remarkable figures of 3-9 from 3.1 overs, effectively cleaning up the tail.
Gladiators were eventually bundled out for 137 in 18.1 overs, handing Zalmi a comprehensive win that further stretched their lead at the summit.
Summarised scores
Peshawar Zalmi 255-3 (20 overs) Babar Azam: 100* (52), Kusal Mendis: 83 (44), Usman Tariq: 1-50
Quetta Gladiators 137 all out (18.1 overs) Bevon Jacobs: 34 (27), Ali Raza: 3-9, Mohammad Basit: 3-26
Result: Peshawar Zalmi won by 118 runs.
Babar Azam (Man of the match)
